Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A NEW YEAR'S GIFT TO THE KING, by THOMAS CAREW


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A NEW YEAR'S GIFT TO THE KING, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Look back, old janus, and survey
Last Line: In his blest reign the temple door.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Holidays; New Year; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens


LOOK back, old Janus, and survey,
From Time's birth till this new-born day,
All the successful season bound
With laurel wreaths, and trophies crown'd;
Turn o'er the annals past, and where
Happy auspicious days appear,
Mark'd with the whiter stone, that cast
On the dark brow of th' ages past
A dazzling lustre, let them shine
In this succeeding circle's twine,
Till it be round with glories spread,
Then with it crown our Charles his head,
That we th' ensuing year may call
One great continu'd festival.
Fresh joys, in vari'd forms, apply
To each distinct captivity.
Season his cares by day with nights
Crown'd with all conjugal delights;
May the choice beauties that inflame
His royal breast be still the same,
And he still think them such, since more
Thou canst not give from Nature's store.
Then as a father let him be
With numerous issue blest, and see
The fair and godlike offspring grown
From budding stars to suns full-blown.
Circle with peaceful olive boughs
And conquering bays his regal brows;
Let his strong virtues overcome
And bring him bloodless trophies home;
Strew all the pavements where he treads
With loyal hearts or rebels' heads:
But, Bifront, open thou no more
In his blest reign the temple door.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net