Classic Poem

I.

Since still we think our Time best spent,
More short it to us does appear;
Good Days I to you here present,
In this Abridgment of the Year:

II.

By the small-Gift here to you made,
You shou'd my great Love for you know;
Shou'd by this small Book's outside read,
I think Time short, I give to you:

III.

Small Books, may prove as well great Love,
As if they did more Value bear;
As welcome, since as useful, prove,
If they, like this, in Season were:

IV.

You ask, what in Return to me,
And this small New-Year's-Gift you shall
Present me with; then, (to be free,)
Give me your Love, that's like it, small:

V.

But, for this happy New-Year now,
Which I give you, I beg no more,
Than that you wou'd so grateful grow,
As to give me the Happy Hour:

VI.

And Counsel from this small Book take,
That Woman, out of Date once grown,
Will, ev'n like this Almanack,
Be by, but for a Newer, thrown.