Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay—
+++++++Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
+++++++Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
++++++++++++++Oh stay, oh stay,
One little hour, and then away.

The year, whose hopes were high and strong,
+++++++Has now no hopes to wake;
Yet one hour more of jest and song
+++++++For his familiar sake.
++++++++++++++Oh stay, oh stay,
One mirthful hour, and then away.

The kindly year, his liberal hands
+++++++Have lavished all his store.
And shall we turn from where he stands,
+++++++Because he gives no more?
+++++++

+++++++Oh stay, oh stay,
One grateful hour, and then away.

Days brightly came and calmly went,
+++++++While yet he was our guest;
How cheerfully the week was spent!
+++++++How sweet the seventh day’s rest!
+++++++Oh stay, oh stay,
One golden hour, and then away.

Dear friends were with us, some who sleep
+++++++Beneath the coffin-lid:
What pleasant memories we keep
+++++++Of all they said and did!
++++++++++++++Oh stay, oh stay,
One tender hour, and then away.

Even while we sing, he smiles his last,
+++++++And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
+++++++Oh be the new as kind!
++++++++++++++

Oh stay, oh stay,
One parting strain, and then away.