The Fall of the Leaf :: :: University of Virginia Library

Then we will visit old Aristo's home,
Rear'd in a meadow near the public way.
None ever went discouraged from his door!
Soon as he sees a stranger at his gate
The good old farmer quits his fragrant porch,
And down the pathway of his garden steals:
Then to his servants gives the cheerful call.—
They hear;—they heap the blazing fire anew;
Place on the table bread, and cheese, and milk,
And home-brew'd ale, and wholesome gooseberry wine.
Then near the corner of the fire they place
The cheerful pipe. Aristo at the gate
With open'd hand invites the traveller in.
The weary traveller, blushing and obliged,
Scrapes his soil'd shoes; and bending with delight
Follows his host, admiring as he goes:
Enters the porch—respects the well-wash'd floor—
Accepts the chair. Aristo lifts the jug;—
Declares him welcome;—vows 'twill rain all night:—

“You'd better therefore stay the night with me.”
The stranger smiles; Aristo cries, “content!”
And all is comfort round the crackling fire.