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.
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The first day a guest, the second day a guest, the third day a calamity.
The first day a guest, the second day a guest, the third day a calamity.
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.
If my best wines mislike thy taste,
And my best service win thy frown,
Then tarry not, read more
If my best wines mislike thy taste,
And my best service win thy frown,
Then tarry not, I bid thee haste;
There's many another Inn in town.
Ah me, why did they build my house by the road to the market
town?
Ah me, why did they build my house by the road to the market
town?
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.
My master is of churlish disposition
And little recks to find the way to heaven
By doing read more
My master is of churlish disposition
And little recks to find the way to heaven
By doing deeds of hospitality.
The lintel low enough to keep out pomp and pride;
The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside;
read more
The lintel low enough to keep out pomp and pride;
The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside;
The doorband strong enough from robbers to defend;
This door will open at a touch to welcome every friend.
When friends are at your hearthside met,
Sweet courtesy has done its most
If you have made read more
When friends are at your hearthside met,
Sweet courtesy has done its most
If you have made each guest forget
That he himself is not the host.
Hospitality should have no other nature than love.
Hospitality should have no other nature than love.
