University of Virginia Library

NEW YEAR

Mortal:
“The night is cold, the hour is late, the world is bleak and drear;
“Who is it knocking at my door?”

The New Year:
“I am Good Cheer.”

Mortal:
“Your voice is strange; I know you not; in shadows dark I grope.
“What seek you here?”

The New Year:
“Friend, let me in; my name is Hope.”

Mortal:
“And mine is Failure; you but mock the life you seek to bless.
“Pass on.”

The New Year:
“Nay, open wide the door; I am Success.”

Mortal:
“But I am ill and spent with pain; too late has come your wealth.
“I cannot use it.”

The New Year:
“Listen, friend; I am Good Health.”

Mortal:
“Now, wide I fling my door. Come in, and your fair statements prove.”

The New Year:
“But you must open, too, your heart, for I am Love.”