I CAME to the crowded Inn of Earth,
And called for a cup of wine,
But the Host went by with averted eye
From a thirst as keen as mine.
Then I sat down with weariness
And asked a bit of bread,
But the Host went by with averted eye
And never a word he said.
While always from the outer night
The waiting souls came in
With stifled cries of sharp surprise
At all the light and din.
“Then give me a bed to sleep,” I said,
“For midnight comes apace” —
But the Host went by with averted eye
And I never saw his face.
“Since there is neither food nor rest,
I go where I fared before” —
But the Host went by with averted eye
And barred the outer door.