TO make this little house my very own br Could not be done by law alone. br Though covenant and deed convey br Absolute fee, as lawyers say, br There are domestic rites beside br By which this house is sanctified. br br By kindled fire upon the hearth, br By planted pansies in the garth, br By food, and by the quiet rest br Of those brown eyes that I love best, br And by a friends bright gift of wine, br I dedicate this house of mine. br br When all but I are soft abed br I trail about my quiet stead br A wreath of blue tobacco smoke br (A charm that evil never broke) br And bring my ritual to an end br By giving shelter to a friend.