“New Year, true year, What now are you bringing? May-day skies and butterflies, And merry birds a-singing? Frolic, play, all the day, Not an hour of school?” But the merry echo, The laughing New Year echo, Only answered, “School!” “New Year, true year, What now are you bringing? Summer roses springing gay, Summer vines a-swinging? Jest and sport, the merriest sort, Never a thought of work?” But the merry echo, The laughing New Year echo, “New year, true year, What now are you bringing? Autumn fruits all fire-ripe, Autumn horns a-ringing? Keen delight o’ moonlight nights, When dull folks are abed?” But the merry echo, The laughing New-Year echo, Only answered, “Bed!” |