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.
�� �
