canopied by a heaven full of purity, and quietness, and peace. We love to fill our thought with speculations on man,—even though the man be the muffin-man,—rather than with inanimate objects—hills and streams—things to dream about, not to meditate on. Man is the subject of far nobler contemplation, of far more glowing hope, of a far purer and loftier vein of sentiment, than all the 'floods and fells' in the universe;—and that, sweet evening, is one reason why we like that the earnest and tender thoughts thou excitest within us, should be rather surrounded by the labours and tokens of our species, than by sheep, and bats, and melancholy, and owls. But whether, most blessed evening, thou delightest us in the country or in the town, thou equally disposest us to make and to feel love!—thou art the cause of more marriages and more divorces, than any other time in the twenty-four hours. Eyes, that were common eyes to us before, touched by thy enchanting and magic shadows, become inspired, and preach to us of Heaven. A softness
