Shapes and Shadows — The New Year

Lift up thy torch, O Year, and let us see What Destiny Hath made thee heir to at nativity!

Doubt, some call Faith; and ancient Wrong and Might, Whom some name Right;

And Darkness, that the purblind world calls Light.

Despair, with Hope's brave form; and Hate, who goes In Friendship's clothes;

And Happiness, the mask of many woes.

Neglect, whom Merit serves; Lust, to whom, see, Love bends the knee;

And Selfishness, who preacheth charity.

Vice, in whose dungeon Virtue lies in chains;

And Cares and Pains, That on the throne of Pleasure hold their reigns.

Corruption, known as Honesty; and Fame That's but a name;

And Innocence, the outward guise of Shame.

And Folly, men call Wisdom here, forsooth;

And, like a youth, Fair Falsehood, whom some worship for the Truth.

Abundance, who hath Famine's house in lease;

And, high 'mid these, War, blood-black, on the spotless shrine of Peace.

Lift up thy torch, O Year!

assist our sight!

Deep lies the night Around us, and GOD grants us little light!