The Bethlehem Inn Keeper Speaks

The Inn was full. There was no room.
And yet, of course I might have made
Arrangement. But the evening gloom
Came on --- a man must keep his trade ---
The evening guests were in --- they all had paid.

There was no room. The inn was full ---
And it had been a busy day!
So many vexing questions pull
A landlord's heart. All cannot stay.
The late ones must be turned away.

The inn was full. There was no room.
But certainly I could have done
Something if I had known for whom ---
Ah, that my door should be the one
To shut out Mary and her Son.

B.W. Williams (1709?)

Collected years back
by Marylee Manson Armour
Blogged December 15, 2007