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21

NEW YEAR'S DAY.

1871.

As, in a month, alternate days
Are bright with sun, or dark with storm,
As some are chill, and some are warm
With southern winds, and sunny rays—
So, in men's lives, the changing years
Bring mirth or sorrow, joy or pain,
Some heralded with merry strain,
Some with a passing-bell, and tears;
But as those years, that now are gone
With drooping heads, and folded wings,
Into the dusk of bygone things,
Resembled not this new-fled one—
So, to the hearts that now are sad,
May come new hopes of joy and peace,
So, to the gay, fears lest they cease
Those joys that made the past year glad!
22

To thee and me, the uncoin'd hour
May bring a world of change unguess'd
(Save to that love, which in my breast
Blooms like some fair immortal flow'r).
For thee I wish each coming day
May bring upon its bosom fair
Some hidden blessing, and that care
At its light step may haste away!
And as for me, no greater bliss
I ask of Time, than that he may
Bring thy heart nearer mine each day,
And my lips nearer to thy kiss!
Or, if, to both, the coming years
Are bound in equal share to bring
New pleasures, and new sorrowing,
Take thou the smiles, leave me the tears!
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