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OLD AND NEW YEAR DITTIES.
OLD AND NEW YEAR DITTIES.
1.
NEW Year met me somewhat sad:
Old Year leaves me tired,
Stripped of favourite things I had,
Baulked of much desired:
Yet farther on my road to-day
God willing, farther on my way.
Old Year leaves me tired,
Stripped of favourite things I had,
Baulked of much desired:
Yet farther on my road to-day
God willing, farther on my way.
New Year coming on apace
What have you to give me?
Bring you scathe, or bring you grace?
Face me with an honest face;
You shall not deceive me:
Be it good or ill; be it what you will,
It needs shall help me on my road,
My rugged way to heaven, please God.
What have you to give me?
Bring you scathe, or bring you grace?
Face me with an honest face;
You shall not deceive me:
Be it good or ill; be it what you will,
It needs shall help me on my road,
My rugged way to heaven, please God.
2.
Watch with me, men, women, and children dear,
You whom I love, for whom I hope and fear,
Watch with me this last vigil of the year.
Some hug their business, some their pleasure scheme
Some seize the vacant hour to sleep or dream;
Heart locked in heart some kneel and watch apart
You whom I love, for whom I hope and fear,
Watch with me this last vigil of the year.
Some hug their business, some their pleasure scheme
Some seize the vacant hour to sleep or dream;
Heart locked in heart some kneel and watch apart
Watch with me, blessed spirits, who delight
All through the holy night to walk in white,
Or take your ease after the long-drawn fight.
All through the holy night to walk in white,
Or take your ease after the long-drawn fight.
