Ode Sung Before King Charles II on New-year's-day

Arise, great Monarch; see the joyful day, Drest in the glories of the East, Presumes to interrupt your sacred rest. Never did night more willingly give way, Or morn more chearfully appear, Big with the mighty tidings of a New-born Year.

Blest be that Sun, who in time's fruitful womb Was to this noble embassy design'd, To head the golden troops of days to come, Nor lagg'd ingloriously behind, Ignobly in the last year's throng to rise and set. In this 'tis happier far than May, Since to add years is greater than to give a day.

Oh may the happy days increase, With spoils of war, and wealth of peace, Till Time and Age shall swallow'd be, Lost in vast Eternity! May Charles ne'er quit his sacred throne, Himself succeed himself alone! And, to lengthen out his time, Take, God, from us, and give to him; That so each world a Charles may know, Father above, and son below.

Hark, the jocund spheres renew Their chearful and melodious song, While the glad Gods are pleas'd to view The rich and painted throng Of happy days in their fair order march along. Move on, ye prosperous hours, move on; Finish your course so well begun; Let no ill omen dare prophane Your beauteous and harmonious train, Or jealousies or foolish fears disturb you as you run.

See, mighty Charles, how all the minutes press, Each longing which shall first appear; Since, in this renowned year, Not one but feels a secret happinness, As big with new events and some unheard success: See how our troubles vanish, see How the tumultuous tribes agree. Propitious winds bear all our griefs away, And peace clears up the troubled day. Not a wrinkle, not a scar Of faction or dishonest war, But pomps and triumphs deck the noble kalendar.