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.

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?

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.

No one can be so welcome a guest that he will not become an
annoyance when he has stayed read more

No one can be so welcome a guest that he will not become an
annoyance when he has stayed three continuous days in a friend's
house.
[Lat., Hospes nullus tam in amici hospitium diverti potest,
Quin ubi triduum continuum fuerit jam odiosus siet.]

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 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.

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.

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.

True friendship's laws are by this rule express'd,
Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest.

True friendship's laws are by this rule express'd,
Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest.