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.

A host in himself.

A host in himself.

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.

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.

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.

There is no hospitality like understanding.

There is no hospitality like understanding.

There are hermit souls that live withdrawn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There are hermit souls that live withdrawn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.

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.