Classic Poem

I.

A GAIN the smoothly circling Year,
Beneath fair Skies serene and clear,
 Completes its gentle Round;
Sweet Bells in tuneful Sounds express
Gay Thanks for rural Happiness,
 And Months with Plenty crown'd.

II.

While yet remains the courteous Guest,
O be my grateful Thoughts exprest
 Unmix'd with Grief or Fear.
Farewel ye Seasons! roll away,
I wish not to prolong your Stay,
 Tho' Age brings up the Rear.

III.

Cheerful I trust, for future Good,
The Hand which all the past bestow'd,
 Nor heed Life's shifting Scene.
Farewel kind Year, which still has blest
My Days with Peace, my Nights with Rest,
 And leav'st my Mind serene.

IV.

Not yet—but now impends the Stroke,
The far resounding Midnight Clock
 Has summon'd Thee away;
Go mingle with the countless past,
Till Time himself has liv'd his last,
 In soft Oblivion stay.

V.

But then with smiling Grace appear,
Thou blameless, Grief-unsullied Year,
 O smile once more on me,
And witness that thy golden Hours
Have all been priz'd as Summer Flow'rs,
 By some industrious Bee.