I: Evening Service Poem by Thomas Noon Talfourd

PERFORMED BY DR. VALPY AT READING SCHOOL

There is a holy magic in that tone,
Can wake from memory's selectest cell
The hour when first upon my heart it fell
Like dew from Heaven:-the years that since have flown
Seem airy dreams;-yet not of self alone
Those sacred strains are eloquent;-they tell
Of numbers temper'd by their simple spell
In boyhood's unreflecting prime to own
Their kindred with their fellows-best of lore!-
Who to this spot, as Persians to the East,
Turn reverential thoughts from every shore
Which holds them; nor forbear, till life has ceased,
With child-like love, a blessing to implore
On thee, great charity's unspotted priest!