892

Who occupies this House?
A Stranger I must judge
Since No one know His Circumstance
'Tis well the name and age

Are writ upon the Door
Or I should fear to pause
Where not so much as Honest Dog
Approach encourages

It seems a curious Town
Some Houses very old
Some — newly raised this Afternoon
Were I compelled to build

It should not be among
Inhabitants so still
But where the Birds assemble
And Boys were possible

Before Myself was born
'Twas settled, so they say
A Territory for the Ghosts
And Squirrels, formerly
Until a Pioneer, as
Settlers often do
Liking the quiet of the Place
Attracted more unto

And from a Settlement
A Capital has grown
Distinguished for the gravity
Of every Citizen

The Owner of this House
A Stranger He must be
Eternity's Acquaintances
Are mostly so — to me