noon
As Minister of Prussia , he commenced those reforms which the illustrious Hardenberg perfected . For upwards of five centuries the family of Stein have retained their territorial possessions in the valley of the Lahn . Their family castle , at present a ruin , and formerly a fief of the House of Nassau , is now only a picturesque object in the pleasure-grounds of the present lord . The noon had passed some hours before the delighted wanderers complained of fatigue , and by that time they found themselves in a pleasant green glade on the skirts of the forest of Nassau . It was nearly environed by mountains , covered with hanging woods , which shaded the beautiful valley , and gave it the appearance of a sylvan amphitheatre . From a rocky cleft in these green mountains a torrent , dashing down with impetuous force , and whose fall was almost concealed by the cloud of spray which it excited , gave birth to a small and gentle river , whose banks were fringed with beautiful trees , which prevented the sun 's darts from piercing its coldness , by bowing their fair heads over its waters . From their extending branches Nature 's choristers sent forth many a lovely lay Of God 's high praise , and of their loves ' sweet teen .