Only a night from old to new! 
Only a night, and so much wrought! 
The Old Year's heart all weary grew, 
But said: The New Year rest has brought." 
The Old Year's hopes its heart laid down, 
As in a grave; but trusting, said: 
"The blossoms of the New Year's crown 
Bloom from the ashes of the dead." 
The Old Year's heart was full of greed; 
With selfishness it longed and ached, 
And cried: "I have not half I need. 
My thirst is bitter and unslaked. 
But to the New Year's generous hand 
All gifts in plenty shall return; 
True love it shall understand; 
By all y failures it shall learn. 
I have been reckless; it shall be 
Quiet and calm and pure of life. 
I was a slave; it shall go free, 
And find sweet pace where I leave strife." 

Only a night from old to new! 
Never a night such changes brought. 
The Old Year had its work to do; 
No New Year miracles are wrought. 

Always a night from old to new! 
Night and the healing balm of sleep! 
Each morn is New Year's morn come true, 
Morn of a festival to keep. 
All nights are sacred nights to make 
Confession and resolve and prayer; 
All days are sacred days to wake 
New gladness in the sunny air. 
Only a night from old to new; 
Only a sleep from night to morn. 
The new is but the old coem true; 
Each sunrise sees a new year born.