THE happy, happy year is born, That wonders shall disclose; That conquest with fix'd laurels shall adorn, And give our lab'ring Hercules repose. Ye Graces that resort To Virtue's temple, blest Maria's court, With incense and with songs as sweet The long-expected season meet, The long-expected season gently greet. Maria (thus devoutly say)— Maria—oh, appear, appear! Thy softest charms display. Smile and bless the infant year; Smile on its birth in kindness to our isle. For if this genial day You cheerfully survey, Succeeding years in just return on you and us shall smile. Thus let departing Winter sing: Approach, advance, thou promis'd Spring, And if for action not design'd, Together, soon, together bring Confederate troops in Europe's cause combin'd. A busier prospect Summer yields, Floating navies, harass'd fields, From far the Gallic genius spying (Of unjust war the just disgrace), Their broken squadrons flying, And Britain's Cæsar light'ning in the chase. |