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?

HOSPITALITY, n. The virtue which induces us to feed and lodge certain persons who are not in need of food read more

HOSPITALITY, n. The virtue which induces us to feed and lodge certain persons who are not in need of food and lodging.

Unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone.

Unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging-place of wayfaring men;
that I might leave my people, and read more

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging-place of wayfaring men;
that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all
adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

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.