THE COMING OF THE NEW YEAR.
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As if all that grieves and saddens,From this earth had fled forever.
But we, too, would bring a greetingUnto thee, O laughing New Year!Bring a hopeful, tender greeting,And these words to thee would whisper,"Be to us a happy New Year."For though oft the soul grows strongerIf it pass with holy patience'Neath o'erhanging clouds of sorrow;If it bow not to the tempest,To the fierce, rough blast of sorrow;While the blue skies smile above us,While the flowers unfold around us,Must we ever love Joy's sunlightBetter far than Woe's dark storm-cloud. And, O New Year! gazing kindlyIn thy face, so bright and cheerful,Thus it is we come to greet theeWith a hopeful, tender greeting;Thus we greet thee, still repeating,"Be to us a happy New Year."
