On certain days—and who had died.

"Would I were dead,

And vexed no more," the Old Year said:

"In vain may the preacher pray and warn;

The tinkling cymbals in your ears

Turn every gracious word to scorn;

Ye care not for the orphan's tears;

Your sides are fed, and your bodies clad

Is there anything heaven itself could add?"

And then he sighed, as one who died,