Thus is it with the noon of human life.

We in our fervid manhood, in our strength

Of reason, we, with hurry, noise and care,

Plan, toil and strive, and pause not to refresh

Our spirits with the calm and beautiful

Of God’s harmonious universe, that won

Our youthful wonder; pause not to inquire

Why we are here, and what the reverence

Man owes to man, and what the mystery

That links us to the greater world, beside