The House of Socrates

"The House of Socrates" is a pentazain written by Anne Kingsmill Finch.

Original text
FOR Socrates a House was built,

Of but inferiour Size;

Not highly Arch'd, nor Carv'd, nor Gilt;

The Man, 'tis said, was Wise.

But Mob despis'd the little Cell,

That struck them with no Fear;

Whilst Others thought, there should not dwell

So great a Person there.

How shou'd a due Recourse be made

To One, so much Admir'd?

Where shou'd the spacious Cloth be laid,

Or where the Guests retir'd?

Believe me, quoth the list'ning Sage,

'Twas not to save the Charge;

That in this over-building Age,

My House was not more large.

But this for faithful Friends, and kind,

Was only meant by me;

Who fear that what too streight you find,

Must yet contracted be.