New-Year's Gifts. 237 It being the first day of the year, To make the old amends, All those that have it will dress good cheer, To drink great James's royal health, As very well subjects may, With many healths more, which we have store, For the honor of New-Year's day. A Cabinet of Choice Jewels, A.D. 1688. THE END OF THE PLAY. The play is done; the curtain drops, And looks around to say farewell. And, when he's laughed and said his say, One word ere yet the evening ends; Come wealth or want, come good or ill, And bear it with an honest heart. But if you fail, or if you rise, Be each, pray God, a gentleman. The End of the Play. A gentleman, or old or young! (Bear kindly with my humble lays); And peace on earth to gentle men. My song, save this, is little worth; And wish you health, and love, and mirth, As fits the holy Christmas birth, Be this, good friends, our carol stillBe peace on earth, be peace on earth, To men of gentle will. 239 William Makepeace Thackeray. FINIS. Yule's me and Yule's gane, And we have feasted weel; Sae Jock mun to his flail again, And Jenny to her wheel. Ju |