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415

THE OLD YEAR'S BLESSING.

I am fading from you,
But one draweth near,
Called the Angel-guardian
Of the coming year.
If my gifts and graces
Coldly you forget,
Let the New Year's Angel
Bless and crown them yet.
For we work together;
He and I are one:
Let him end and perfect
All I leave undone.
I brought Good Desires,
Though as yet but seeds;
Let the New Year make them
Blossom into Deeds.
I brought Joy to brighten
Many happy days;
Let the New Year's Angel
Turn it into Praise.
416

If I gave you Sickness,
If I brought you Care,
Let him make one Patience,
And the other Prayer.
Where I brought you Sorrow,
Through His care, at length,
It may rise triumphant
Into future Strength.
If I brought you Plenty,
All wealth's bounteous charms,
Shall not the New Angel
Turn them into Alms?
I gave Health and Leisure,
Skill, to dream and plan,
Let him make them nobler;—
Work for God and Man.
If I broke your Idols,
Showed you they were dust,
Let him turn the Knowledge
Into heavenly Trust.
If I brought Temptation,
Let sin die away
Into boundless Pity
For all hearts that stray.
417

If your list of Errors
Dark and long appears,
Let this new-born Monarch
Melt them into Tears.
May you hold this Angel
Dearer than the last,—
So I bless his Future,
While he crowns my Past.
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