For the New Year.
Reading edition
I.
Through all this New Year's varied walks and ways, Let us like kings Truth's royal raiment wear, And whatsoe'er the burdens of the days, With brave hearts bear; For amid the starless night Love exalts the lilies white, And the hours of wrath and wrong Leap with laughters of her song.
II.
Wherever fate may lead the vagrant feet, Let us hail Duty as Life's holy guest, And in the shock of battle bravely meet Foes breast to breast; For unto the timid fields Love her staunchest courage yields, And her martial music thrills To the summits of the hills.
III.
Whatever fortune crowns imperfect deed, Let us keep Hope our comrade evermore, Nor fear to follow where her banners lead On sea and shore; For despite the tears of men, Love shall sing her songs again, And beyond the wintry snows Blooms the redness of her rose.
IV.
With Truth about us and with Duty near, With Hope beside and Love along the way, Life climbs the hills and all the darkness here Grows bright with day; For each fond beatitude Crowns the dreams of greater good, And the stars of living light Lead the footsteps through the night!