SONNET.

Sun of the new-born year! I hail thy light;

As bursting through the dark clouds that so long

Had veiled the glories of each morn and night,

Thou pourest over all thy radiance strong;

Bidding the chilling rains their fury cease,

And smiling on the drenched and languid earth,

That, all exulting in her glad release,

Puts on the beauty of a second birth,