GUEST-ROOM WELCOMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 6 (Supplement)

GUEST-ROOM WELCOMES

The ethics of thoughtful hospitality manifest themselves in minor and often unconsidered trifling details, says an English writer. At the inn of a little Staffordshire villaee where I stayed for several days X found the following verses hung in my.bedroom: Sleep sweetly In this quiet room, 0 thou, who e'er thou art, And let no anxious yesterday Disturb thy restless heart. Forget thyself and all the world Put/ out each glowing light. The stars aro watching overhead, Sleep sweetly then —good-night. At another . hostelry in the same shire I encountered a more matter-of-fact enjoinder: - Those who crqss the threshold of this door, A hearty welcome both to rich and poor. One favour only we would bid you fcrant; Feci yoli're at homo and ask for what you want. English private houses, as well us inns, afford examples of guest bedroom mottoes, sometimes elegant, but always breathing sincerity, thus: This simple room is for our friends, Tbe ones we,love the best. May each one be a little glad For baring been our guest. 'Tig true we are not very rich. Yet we cau give good cheer. Pure; gladness is our common boon, And we are glad you're here.