University of Virginia Library

The New Year

All hail new year! though clad in storms thou com'st,
To me thou art a welcome guest.
'Tis sweet to struggle with the wintry blast,
And, as the cruel storm is raging round,
To feel within the breast a calm as soft & sweet
As summer's eve; to see the snow whirling
In eddies, like the wide world in passion's
Eddies mingled, to see and smile is sweet.
To feel the breast as snow-flake pure, which falls
Upon the cheek; or if within anger
Should rise, to know 'twill melt as soon into
The tide of warm and ever-flowing love.
O this is sweet: come let us look where streams
The cheering light, and mark rough winter's gifts,
The social circle round the evening fire.
See the fond mother as with looks of love
She turns now here, now there, now her children
Smiles upon, and now their sire; and see him
As the laughing boy he raises, imprint
Upon his lips a father's kiss; and from heart
With bliss o'erflowing now to God a prayer
Of silent gratitude he gives. What pomp
Of kings can equal joy afford, or rank
With all her envied state?
Hadst thou a human heart, thou savage blast;
'Twould melt at such a sight, and thy rough voice
Would whisper soft in gentle zephyrs round
That dwelling.