Sonnet IV. New year, forth looking out of Janus’ gate

Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)

NEW year, forth looking out of Janus’ gate,

Doth seem to promise hope of new delight:

And, bidding th’ 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 hath 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 divers-coloured flower

To deck herself, and her fair mantle weave.

Then you, fair flower! in whom fresh youth doth reign,

Prepare yourself new love to entertain.