The Stranger

The stranger within my gate-he may be true or kind! but he does not talk my talk-i cannot feel his mind! i see the face and the eyes and the mouth-but not the soul behind!

The men of my own stock-they may do ill or well! but they tell the lies i am wonted to-they are used to the lies i tell!

This was my father's belief and this is also mine! let the corn be all of one sheaf and the grapes be all of one vine! ere our children's teeth are set on edge-by bitter bread and wine!

The stranger within my gates-he may be evil or good! but i cannot tell what powers control-what reasons sway his mood nor when the gods of his far-off land shall repossess his blood!

The men of my own stock, vitter bad they may be-but, at least, they hear the things i hear and see the things i see!

This was my father's belief and this is also mine!
Let the corn be all of one sheaf and the grapes be all of one vine! ere our children's teeth are set on edge
By bitter bread and wine!