POEMS
ON NEW-YEAR'S DAY, 1640. TO THE KING
1
Gives all your subjects a New-Year;
Only we stay till you appear,
For thus by us your power is understood,
He may make fair days, you must make them good.5
Awake, awake,
And take
Such presents as poor men can make;
They can add little unto bliss
Who cannot wish.10
2
Bold storms invade the sovereignty,
But gales of joy, so fresh, so high,
That you may think Heav'n sent to try this year
What sail, or burthen, a king's mind could bear.15
Awake, awake, etc.
3
(Like those in music we create)
Be govern'd at so wise a rate,
That what would of itself sound harsh, or fright,20
May be so temper'd that it may delight.
Awake, awake, etc.
4
Or lovers when their doves are kind,
Take up henceforth our master's mind,25
Make such strange rapes upon the place, 't may be
No longer joy there, but an ecstasy.
Awake, awake, etc.
7
