CLOSE OF THE YEAR.
95
Farewell, old year! while sorrow dims our eyes,
We bless thee for the lessons thou hast given;
Though thou hast filled earth's atmosphere with sighs,
We trust that thou hast brought us nearer heaven:
Some stars that gleam along thy shadowy track
Will shine upon our hearts with holy power,
And oft our pilgrim-spirits will come back
To muse and weep o'er this thy dying hour.
We bless thee for the lessons thou hast given;
Though thou hast filled earth's atmosphere with sighs,
We trust that thou hast brought us nearer heaven:
Some stars that gleam along thy shadowy track
Will shine upon our hearts with holy power,
And oft our pilgrim-spirits will come back
To muse and weep o'er this thy dying hour.
Old year, farewell, the myriad flowers that thou
Hast blighted, will again in beauty bloom,
And breathing millions thou hast caused to bow
In death, will rise in triumph from the tomb.
Not thus, old year, with thee. Thy life, now fled,
No power of God or Nature will restore;
The graves of years may not give up their dead,
And thou wilt live, oh never, nevermore.
Hast blighted, will again in beauty bloom,
And breathing millions thou hast caused to bow
In death, will rise in triumph from the tomb.
Not thus, old year, with thee. Thy life, now fled,
No power of God or Nature will restore;
The graves of years may not give up their dead,
And thou wilt live, oh never, nevermore.
Farewell, for ever fare thee well, old year !
The gentle angel, missioned at thy birth
The gentle angel, missioned at thy birth
