A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

33. TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE

     Command the roof, great Genius, and from thence
     Into this house pour down thy influence,
     That through each room a golden pipe may run
     Of living water by thy benizon;
     Fulfil the larders, and with strength'ning bread
     Be ever-more these bins replenished.
     Next, like a bishop consecrate my ground,
     That lucky fairies here may dance their round;
     And, after that, lay down some silver pence,
     The master's charge and care to recompence.
     Charm then the chambers; make the beds for ease,
     More than for peevish pining sicknesses;
     Fix the foundation fast, and let the roof
     Grow old with time, but yet keep weather-proof.