Classic Poem

Departing Year, farewell! tho' clouds have cast
Their gloom portending, o'er thy varied course
Still gratitude beholds the region pass'd
And bids her praise ascend, with ardent force!
For many a gleam has o'er my way been thrown
And sav'd my wand'ring steps from dire despair!
Sweet flowers, among the desarts too were shewn,
And golden beams of heav'nly brightness fair!
And still a refuge, when the storm has beat
Celestial truth has shewn my trembling feet.
Blest Year! in sorrows blest, thy praise I tell!
With fav'ring smiles, thou seemest to remove
Like some wise friend who takes a kind farewell
To shew his counsel stern was all in love!
Bright is the ray which gilds thy passing hour,
But oh! a nobler sun displays its power
And o'er thy exit shines — when time shall fail
His light shall reign — His splendour shall prevail.

Short Year, adieu! may Heaven each care controul
And stamp thy blessings on the conscious soul!