Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A WISH - TO THE NEW YEAR, 1705, by JOHN HUGHES (1677-1720)


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A WISH - TO THE NEW YEAR, 1705, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Janus! Great leader of the rolling year
Last Line: And cease to love in vain, and be a wretch no more.
Subject(s): Holidays; Melancholy; New Year; Wishes; Dejection


Janus! great leader of the rolling year,
Since all that's past, no vows can e'er restore,
But joys and griefs alike, once hurried o'er,
No longer now deserve a smile or tear,
Close the fantastic scenes—but grace
With brightest aspects thy foreface,
While Time's new offspring hastens to appear.
With lucky omens guide the coming hours,
Command the circling seasons to advance,
And form their renovated dance,
With flowing pleasures fraught, and blessed by friendly powers.

Thy month, O Janus, gave me first to know
A mortal's trifling cares below;
My race of life began with thee.
Thus far, from great misfortunes free,
Contented, I my lot endure,
Nor Nature's rigid laws arraign,
Nor spurn at common ills in vain,
Which folly cannot shun, nor wise reflexion cure.

But oh!—more anxious for the year to come,
I would foreknow my future doom.
Then tell me, Janus, canst thou spy
Events that yet in embryo lie
For me, in Time's mysterious womb?
Tell me—nor shall I dread to hear
A thousand accidents severe;
I'll fortify my soul the load to bear,
If love rejected add not to its weight,
To finish me in woes, and crush me down with fate.

But if the Goddess, in whose charming eyes,
More clearly written than in Fate's dark book,
My joy, my grief, my all of future fortune lies,
If she must with a less propitious look
Forbid my humble sacrifice,
Or blast me with a killing frown,
If, Janus, this thou seest in store,
Cut short my mortal thread, and now
Take back the gift thou didst bestow!
Here let me lay my burden down,
And cease to love in vain, and be a wretch no more.





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