THE NEW-YEAR'S WELCOME.
Reading edition
BY MARY D. BRINE.
Ring, bells, ring! for the King is here; Ring, bells, ring! for the glad New Year. He mounts his throne with a smiling face, His sceptre lifts with majestic grace. Ring for the joy his advent brings; Ring for the happy songs he sings; Ring for the promises sweet and true With which we gladden our hearts anew. The new-born Year is a happy fellow, His voice is sweet, and low, and mellow; With the Christmas holly his head is crowned, With the Christmas blessings we'll wrap him round. Then ring, bells, ring! for the joyous day— The Past lies silent, the Present is gay; Ring out your merriest, cheer after cheer, To welcome the birth of the Happy New Year!