The Book of Scottish Song/The New Year

The New Year.

[Inscribed to Joseph Train, Esq., by the author, William Dobie.—Tune, "Guid night and joy be wi' you a'."—Here first printed.]

Come—fill brimful the inspiring bowl,
We'll close this day in festive cheer;
Time out of mind old Scotia's sons
With mirth have hail'd the new-born year.
We all have weather'd many storms,
And safely now are landed here;
But who can tell to us 'tis given,
To meet and hail another year.

For low shall many a proud head lie,
And eyes be dim now sparkling clear;
And severed many a tender tie
Ere time revolve the infant year.
O memory! when my mind looks o'er
Thy records, often fall my tears,
For friends long lost, and vanish'd joys—
For loves and hopes of bygone years!

But why despond? sure 'tis unwise
To damp our present bliss with fear;
When Heaven commands we must depart,
And farewell bid life's fleeting year.
And now, my friends, may fav'ring heaven
My wishes for your welcome hear;
And health, and wealth, and happiness
Attend you still from year to year.

May peace and plenty bless your board,
And marriage crown with love sincere;
May joys unknown to anld langsyne,
Make this a happy, happy year!
Then fill the sparkling glasses full,
And drink to friends both far and near;—
Thus may we meet in joy to greet
The glad return of many a year.

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