The New Year's Gift To Phyllis

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.