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A NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE.

To Joseph Mazzini.

"Send the stars light, but send not love to me."

Shelley.

1.

Out of the dawning heavens that hear

Young wings and feet of the new year
Move through their twilight, and shed round
Soft showers of sound,
Soothing the season with sweet rain,
If greeting come to make me fain,
What is it I can send again?

2.

I know not if the year shall send

Tidings to usward as a friend,
And salutation, and such things
Bear on his wings
As the soul turns and thirsts unto
With hungering eyes and lips that sue
For that sweet food which makes all new.