Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ODE UPON THE NEW YEAR (1693), by NAHUM TATE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODE UPON THE NEW YEAR (1693), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The happy, happy year is born
Last Line: And britain's cæsar light'ning in the chase.
Subject(s): Happiness; Holidays; New Year; Joy; Delight


THE happy, happy year is born,
That wonders shall disclose;
That conquest with fix'd laurels shall adorn,
And give our lab'ring Hercules repose.
Ye Graces that resort
To Virtue's temple, blest Maria's court,
With incense and with songs as sweet
The long-expected season meet,
The long-expected season gently greet.
Maria (thus devoutly say)—
Maria—oh, appear, appear!
Thy softest charms display.
Smile and bless the infant year;
Smile on its birth in kindness to our isle.
For if this genial day
You cheerfully survey,
Succeeding years in just return on you and us shall smile.

Thus let departing Winter sing:
Approach, advance, thou promis'd Spring,
And if for action not design'd,
Together, soon, together bring
Confederate troops in Europe's cause combin'd.
A busier prospect Summer yields,
Floating navies, harass'd fields,
From far the Gallic genius spying
(Of unjust war the just disgrace),
Their broken squadrons flying,
And Britain's Cæsar light'ning in the chase.





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