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 304 CONSOLATIONS OF SOLITUDE

��NEW YEAR'S WISH.

Companion of my heart, behold

How swift the seasons take their flight !

The new year overtakes the old,

As day treads on the steps of night.

Alas, my friend, no force of art Can long arrest life's fleeting day ;

The road divides where soon we part, Each travelling to his house of clay.

Transient is all that hope would cherish ;

Life stands upon destruction's brink, Doomed in the arms of death to perish.

As light in evening's lap must sink.

Are the leaves fallen, the flowers decayed ?

So friends, once many, fast grow few ; Life's sunshine darkens into shade ;

Must life's affections perish, too "i

Must hearts long tried forget to blend, Companions cease to know each other }

Must thou forget the name of friend, And I thy faithful fondness, brother >

Nay, trust it not ! 'Twas God above Who bade our hearts harmonious beat ;

He who himself is boundless love Shall find for love some calm retreat.

Yet, since the future is not ours,

And all life's joys we briefly borrow.

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