BOOK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue II, 2 January 1869, Page 6

BOOK.

XVL— NEW YEAR'S DAY. "Why dance ye mortals o'er the grave of time," sang the poet; and amid the bustle and festivities which celebrate the death of 1888 and the birth of 1869, I for one cannot help feeling more inclined to sadness than merriment. For it is strange, or would be strange, were not humanity the most incongruous medley that ever drew laughter from the gods, to see us, in spite of all our dread of death, rejoicing because another stage on the path to the grave has been passed. Yet inasmuch as "Hope springs eternal from the human breast," tho opening of a new year is a time of promise and of joy. The ambitious man hails the nearer approach of his advancement ; the needy, anticipates riches ; and the lover counts the minutes until he receives the vows of hi 3 mistress. To me only, for whom neither ambition, wealth, nor love have charms, is it a time of melancholy thought; for I look forward to future new years and anticipate with a sigh the downfal of hopes and promises. The drunkard who is to live soberly in 1869, 1870 will, I fear, still find wallowing in his favourite vice. The poor man will remain poor, unless he barters honour and virtue for the mammon, which is only to be obtained by sucli a sacrifice. But enough of such gloomy forebodings; let me simulate tho joy I cannot feel. Eing out wild bells to tlic mi might air, King out tho faLe, ring in the true. although no jingling ever will alter the false which most of us hug affectionately as the true. But in 1869 the millennium is to begin. Astraca is again to descend on earth, and under Saturn'B golden rule, peace, brotherhood, and love ai'e to be in the ascendant. Thus have men prophesied on every new year's day since the beginning of time ; and how false were their auguries is patent to all. Still, as our life is but a becoming, a straining after an ideal dimly conceived and inarticulately desired, we may derive profit from the retrospect of how the last twelvemonth, has been passed. Warned by our failings, we may steer a more straightforward course ; encouraged by our successes, persevere in our nobler aims. That 1870 may find us all better and worthier men is the sincere wish of Augustus Muggins, although he hardly hopes to see it fulfilled.