The circling months begin this day <br />To run their yearly ring, <br />And long-breathed time, which ne'er will stay, <br />Refits his wings and shoots away, <br />It round again to bring. <br />Who feels the force of female eyes <br />And thinks some nymph divine, <br />Now brings his annual sacrifice, <br />Some pretty toy or neat device <br />To offer at her shrine. <br />But I can pay no offering <br />To show how I adore, <br />Since I have but a heart to bring — <br />A downright foolish, faithful thing, <br />And that you had before. <br />Yet we may give, for custom sake, <br />What will to both be new: <br />My constancy a gift I'll make <br />And in return of it will take <br />Some levity from you.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-new-year-s-gift-to-phyllis/
