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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AND SO, I THINK DIOGENES by AMY LOWELL DISMAL MOMENT PASSING by CLARENCE MAJOR MADMAN OF THE SOUTH SIDE by CLARENCE MAJOR DOMESDAY BOOK: HENRY MURRAY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS HEART'S FIRST WORD (2) by ISAAC ROSENBERG HARRISON STREET COURT by CARL SANDBURG |