The angels round the throne had just begun

Their vesper hymn of praise—the sweetest one;

The stars were trimming then their lamps of light,

Like watchers, ready for the coming night;

The earth rejoiced through all her numerous fields,

Blest with the crop that generous autumn yields:

The meadow streams subduing music stole,

Like dreams of rapture, to the fainting soul,—

When thou sprung into being, like the ray

Of early morn, the gleam of dawning day.