1790

sketch—new year's day, 1790

to mrs. dunlop.

this day, time winds th' exhausted chain;

to run the twelvemonth's length again:

i see, the old bald-pated fellow,

with ardent eyes,plexion sallow,

adjust the unimpair'd machine,

to wheel the equal, dull routine.

the absent lover, minor heir,

in vain assail him with their prayer;

deaf as my friend, he sees them press,

nor makes the hour one moment less,

will you (the major's with the hounds,

the happy tenants share his rounds;

coila's fair rachel's care to-day,

and blooming keith's engaged with gray)

from housewife cares a minute borrow,

(that grandchild's cap will do to-morrow,)

and join with me a-moralizing;

this day's propitious to be wise in.

first, what did yesternight deliver?

“another year has gone for ever.”

and what is this day's strong suggestion?

“the passing moment's all we rest on!”

rest on—for what? what do we here?