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





