New-Year’s Day.
How shall we welcome in the new-born Year ?1
Not with the ringing voice of mirth alone,2
But with a mingled melody—a tone3
Of grateful joy, but mixed with reverent fear.4
This smiling child of Time may grow severe5
Matured to manhood ; ours the blest employ6
To change the grief he owes the poor to joy,7
In the one baptism of a brother’s tear ;8
And may we—like the Wise who came from far,9
Bearing the treasures of their Eastern clime,10
To celebrate the dawning of His star11
Who proved the heir and first-born of all time—12
Bring gifts to brighten eyes with sorrow dim.13
Who gives unto His poor, gives also unto Him.14