To the Old Year
Old year, farewell!
Much have you given which was ill to bear:
Much have taken which was dear, so dear:
Much have you spoken which was ill to hear ;
Echoes of speech first uttered deep in hell.
Pass now like some grey harlot to the tomb!
Yet die in child-birth, and from out your womb
Leap the young year unsullied! He perchance
Shall bring to man his lost inheritance.
