He kept no Christmas-house for once a yeere,
Each day his boards were fild with Lordly fare;
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He kept no Christmas-house for once a yeere,
Each day his boards were fild with Lordly fare;
He fed a rout of yeoman with his cheer,
Nor was his bread and beefe kept in with care;
His wine and beere to strangers were not spare,
And yet beside to all that hunger greved,
His gates were open, and they were there relived.

For I, who hold sage Homer's rule the best,
Welcome the coming, speed the going guest.

For I, who hold sage Homer's rule the best,
Welcome the coming, speed the going guest.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by;
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Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by;
They are good, they are bad; they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish,--so am I;
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
And be a friend to man.

Unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone.

Unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone.

Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even though you wish they were

Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even though you wish they were

So saying, with despatchful looks in haste
She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent.

So saying, with despatchful looks in haste
She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent.

For 't is always fair weather
When good fellows get together
With a stein on the table read more

For 't is always fair weather
When good fellows get together
With a stein on the table and a good song ringing clear.

What is there more kindly than the feeling between host and guest?

What is there more kindly than the feeling between host and guest?

Be it not in thy care. Go,
I charge thee, invite them all; let in the tide
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Be it not in thy care. Go,
I charge thee, invite them all; let in the tide
Of knaves once more; my cook and I'll provide.