Public-domain source text

For the Friends at Hurstmont

by Henry van Dyke Jr.

From Standard Ebooks · standardebooks/henry-van-dyke-jr_poetry

The House
The cornerstone in Truth is laid, The guardian walls of Honour made, The roof of Faith is built above, The fire upon the hearth is Love: Though rains descend and loud winds call, This happy house shall never fall.
The Hearth
When the logs are burning free, Then the fire is full of glee: When each heart gives out its best, Then the talk is full of zest: Light your fire and never fear, Life was made for love and cheer.
The Door
The lintel low enough to keep out pomp and pride: The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside: The fastening strong enough from robbers to defend: This door will open at a touch to welcome every friend.
The Dial
Time can never take What Time did not give; When my shadows have all passed, You shall live.

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This is a source transcription from Standard Ebooks, published in Past Poetry’s public-domain archive without line-by-line editorial notes. Public-domain source edition. Availability can vary by territory.

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