Classic Poem

“Wherefore these lighted candles, tables decked
With nodding flowers and streaming eglantine:
This sumptuous silver, curious glass outlaid,
Meats, wine, and bounteous delicacies displayed
On every side?”
And he replied,
“I now expect
A friend of mine.”

Thus do we entertain a welcome guest,
And exercise our wits that he may be
Drawn to enjoy our hospitality.
We note his wishes, give attentive ear
To all he saith,
And count no cost too dear
If but our best
Delight him whom his host thus honoureth.

But when we entertain the Guest of guests
What barbarous manners do we show our lord!
“Pay heed to my behests;
This is my board,”
There are who say.
They cry, “This is my way.
Since we must eat together, let it be
In haste, in darkness and in secrecy.”

They draw the curtain: dudgeoned silence keep,
Till, heedless of their guest, they fall asleep;
Waking to wonder why whate'er they spread
For gentle Love, at dawn, looks untasted.

Others with side-long, shameful looks invite,
Crying, “Come. It is night.
My hunger urges; surely thine is great.
More often would I ask thee, but I fear
To lose my heavenly state.
Now thou art here
Let's eat, and in a trice.
Ere the cock-crow I may deny thee thrice.”

But most an open invitation give:
“That's where I live.
We dine at eight,
And for a friend that's late
We never wait.”

O Heavenly Guest! Not thus would I invite thee.
If I am mean and poor,
Thy sovereignty shall all my powers constrain
To labour so that I may entertain
Thee I adore
At all times with what things soe'er delight thee.
Sweet Order shall the table set,
And Happiness pour out the wine,

Fond Ignorance and shamed Regret
Shall have no place with thine,
Unfeignèd Joy shall sing to us
His song, controlled and clear,
And glorious Ardour bring to us
The mirth which doth endear.

Then come, great lord!
Honour my humble board,
For without thee,
Feasts are but feasts, and banquets, gluttony.