Cunningham's Modernized version of Spenser's Sonnet IIII
   
NEW year forth looking out of Janus's gate,
  Does seem to promise hope of new delight:
  and bidding the old adieu, his passed date
  bids all old thoughts to die in dumpish spright.


And calling forth out of sad Winter's night,
  fresh love, that long has slept in cheerless bower:
  wills him awake, and soon about him dight
  his wanton wings and darts of deadly power.


For lusty spring now in his timely hour,
  is ready to come forth him to receive:
  and warns the Earth with diverse colored flower,
  to deck herself, and her fair mantle weave.
 

Then you faire flower, in whom fresh youth does reign,
  prepare yourself new love to entertain.

Return to c16th spelling.  
Paraphrase  
 

This page last modified January 16, 2005