Classic Poem

Come in across the threshold,
Thou'rt freely welcome here;
Take off thy cloak, and yonder
Thy staff beside it rear.

Sit highest at the table,
Such place befits the guest;
Thy day's long journey ended,
Refresh thyself and rest.

If harsh unrighteous vengeance
Hath driv'n thee from thy home,
Beneath my roof content thee
A welcome friend to come;

But one thing I beseech thee —
Despise not, nor dispraise
My fathers' simple customs,
Our household's ancient ways.