Explore "Inscriptions for a Friend's House (Greetings and Inscriptions)" by Henry Van Dyke on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
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 DOORSTEAD
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.
THE HEARTHSTONE
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 SUN-DIAL
Time can never take / What Time did not give; / When my shadows have all passed, / You shall live.