932
HOME.
We leave
Our home in youth—no matter to what end—
Study—or strife—or pleasure, or what not;
And coming back in few short years, we find
All as we left it outside: the old elms,
The house, the grass, gates, and latchet's self-same click:
But, lift that latchet,—
Alas! all is changed as doom.
—Bailey: Festus.
933
CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE.
Lady, the sun's light to our eyes is dear,
And fair the tranquil reaches of the sea,
And flowery earth in May, and bounding waters;
And so right many fair things I might praise;
Yet nothing is so radiant and so fair
As for souls childless, with desire sore-smitten,
To see the light of babes about the house.
—Euripides.
934
Often, old houses mended,
Cost more than new, before they're ended.