`` It is a good resolution , '' rejoined the Old Year ; `` and , by the way , I have a plentiful assortment of good resolutions , which have now grown so stale and musty , that I am ashamed to carry them any farther . Only for fear that the City authorities would send Constable Mansfield , with a warrant after me , I should toss them into the street at once . Many other matters go to make up the contents of my bandbox ; but the whole lot would not fetch a single bid , even at an auction of worn-out furniture ; and as they are worth nothing either to you or anybody else , I need not trouble you with a longer catalogue . '' `` And must I also pickup such worthless luggage in my travels ? '' asked the New Year . `` Most certainly ; and well , if you have no heavier load to bear , '' replied the other . `` And now , my dear sister , I must bid you farewell , earnestly advising and exhorting you to expect no gratitude ` nor goodwill from this peevish , unreasonable , inconsiderate , ill-intending , and worse-behaving world . However warmly its inhabitants may seen to welcome you , yet , do what you may , and lavish on them what means of happiness you please , they will still be complaining , still craving what it is not in your power to give , still looking forward to some other Year for the accomplishment of projects which ought never to have been formed , and which , if successful , would only provide new occasions of discontent . If these ridiculous people ever see anything tolerable in you , it will be after you are gone forever . '' `` But I , '' cried the fresh-hearted New Year , -- `` I shall try to leave men wiser than I find them . I will offer them freely whatever good gifts Providence permits me to distribute , and will tell them to be thankful for what they have , and humbly hopeful for more ; and surely , if they are not absolute fools , they will condescend to be happy , and will allow me to be a happy Year . For my happiness must depend on them . '' `` Alas for you , then , my poor sister ! '' said the Old fear , sighing , as she uplifted her burden . `` We grand-children of Time are born to trouble . Happiness , they say , dwells in the mansions of Eternity ; but we can only lead mortals thither , step by step , with reluctant murmurings , and ourselves must perish on the threshold . But hark ! my task is done . '' The clock in the tall steeple of Dr. Emerson 's church struck twelve ; there was a response from Dr. Flint 's , in the opposite quarter of the city ; and while the strokes were yet dropping into the air , the Old Year either flitted or faded away ; and not the wisdom and might of Angels , to say nothing of the remorseful yearnings of the millions who had used her ill , could have prevailed with that departed Year to return one step . But she , in the company of Time and all her kindred , must hereafter hold a reckoning with Mankind .
So shall it be , likewise , XXXXX the maidenly New Year , who , as the clock ceased to strike , arose from the steps of the City Hall , and set out rather timorously on her earthly course .
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