FOR Socrates a House was built, <br /> Of but inferiour Size; <br />Not highly Arch'd, nor Carv'd, nor Gilt; <br /> The Man, 'tis said, was Wise. <br /> <br />But Mob despis'd the little Cell, <br /> That struck them with no Fear; <br />Whilst Others thought, there should not dwell <br /> So great a Person there. <br /> <br />How shou'd a due Recourse be made <br /> To One, so much Admir'd? <br />Where shou'd the spacious Cloth be laid, <br /> Or where the Guests retir'd? <br /> <br />Believe me, quoth the list'ning Sage, <br /> 'Twas not to save the Charge; <br />That in this over-building Age, <br /> My House was not more large. <br /> <br />But this for faithful Friends, and kind, <br /> Was only meant by me; <br />Who fear that what too streight you find, <br /> Must yet contracted be.<br /><br />Anne Kingsmill Finch<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-house-of-socrates/
