Page:Harper's New Monthly Magazine - v109.djvu/553

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Inscriptions for a Friend's House


The Corner-stone

THE corner-stone in Truth is laid;
The guardian walls of Honour made;
The roof of Faith is built above;
The fire upon the hearth is Love,
Tho' rains descend and load winds call,
This happy house shall never fall.

The Doorstead

The lintel low enough to shut out pomp and pride:
The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside:
The door-band strong enough from robbers to defend:
This door shall 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 your shadows have all passed
I shall live.