Final answer:
The phrase "dawns were young" typically refers to the early part of every day, symbolizing new beginnings or the start of something. Its interpretation can vary depending on the context of the poem, ranging from the birth of civilization to early realizations of truth as the dawn brings light and clarity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "dawns were young" in the context of the third stanza refers to the early part of every day. This poetic expression is often used metaphorically in literature to symbolize fresh beginnings or the start of something new. However, without the specific context of the poem, the phrase could be interpreted in various ways. For instance, the 'dawn of civilization' signifies the development of leisure and humanities, symbolizing a time when contemplative activities such as music, poetry, and philosophy began to flourish. On the other hand, the 'dawn' could also mean the early realizations of truth when great ideas emerge gently into the world, akin to the first light of dawn bringing clarity and hope. Therefore, the correct interpretation often depends on the broader thematic content of the work in which the phrase appears.