Classic Poem

What, Sorrow! have you come at last?
And are you now my guest to be?
So many times my door you passed,
As one who had forgotten me.

Well, well, come in! Beside my hearth
Sit down, as many a friend has done,
When all my house was filled with mirth,
And hearts were glad from sun to sun.

For you I spread no banquet fine,
Nor call my neighbors in to see
Your pale, sad face, strange guest of mine
Yet I a courteous host will be.

I will not strive with you at all,
I will not frown and bid you go;
If Joy has gone beyond recall,
You are her sister dear, I know.

You did not chance to walk my way;
With orders signed and sealed you came
You followed where my pathway lay
And knew my number and my name.

What, Sorrow! have you come at last?
And are you now my guest to be?
So many times my door you passed,
As one who had forgotten me.

Well, well, come in! Beside my hearth
Sit down, as many a friend has done,
When all my house was filled with mirth,
And hearts were glad from sun to sun.

For you I spread no banquet fine,
Nor call my neighbors in to see
Your pale, sad face, strange guest of mine
Yet I a courteous host will be.

I will not strive with you at all,
I will not frown and bid you go;
If Joy has gone beyond recall,
You are her sister dear, I know.

You did not chance to walk my way;
With orders signed and sealed you came
You followed where my pathway lay
And knew my number and my name.