WHEN Thomas set this tablet here, Time laughed at the vain chanticleer;And ere the moss had dimmed the stone, Time had defaced that garrison.
Now I in turn keep watch and ward In my red house, in my walled yard Of sunflowers, sitting here at ease With friends and my bright canvases.
But hark, and you may hear quite plain Time's chuckled laughter in the lane.
HAIL, GUEST, AND ENTER FREELY!
HAIL, guest, and enter freely! All you see Is, for your momentary visit, yours; and we Who welcome you are but the guests of God, And know not our departure.