The lintel low enough to keep out pomp and pride;
The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside;
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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.

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?

There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like read more

There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran,--
But let me live by the side of the road,
And be a friend to man.

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.

Unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone.

Unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone.

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.

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.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in
honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; read more

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in
honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

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.