noon
conquering even grief , brightening even despair . Thou takest us from the world when reason can no longer bind us to it , and givest to the maniac the inspiration and the solace of the bard ! Thou , the parent of the purer love , lingerest like love , when even ourself forsakes us , and lightest up the shattered chambers of the heart with the glory that makes a sanctity of decay . IT was now the full noon ; light clouds were bearing up towards the opposite banks of the Rhine , but over the Gothic towers of Ellfeld the sky spread blue and clear ; the river danced beside the old gray walls with a sunny wave , and close at hand a vessel crowded with passengers , and loud with eager voices , gave a merry life to the scene . On the opposite bank the hills sloped away into the far horizon , and one slight skiff in the midst of the waters broke the solitary brightness of the noonday calm . The town of Ellfeld was the gift of Otho the First to the Church ; not far from thence is the crystal spring that gives its name to the delicious grape of Markbrunner . `` Ah , '' quoth Du ----- e , `` doubtless the good bishops of Mayence made the best of the vicinity ! ''