Robin Hood's Barn 



as I join them at the entrance, I know how they 

 will greet me. There will be no personal interest 

 in their comment, "I came in for a moment just 

 to see your place." 



For the most part I am little jealous, proud of 

 its success, and well content to serve. Meekly, I 

 take part in its parochial duties. I act as verger 

 without fee. In great armf uls, I distribute tracts. 

 I bear its messages among the sick. By menial 

 labor, I make possible its public life. But in 

 such times as we are left alone, I turn unpleas- 

 antly domestic. What was its humble origin, 

 I beg leave to remind it. Who gave it its start? 

 In spite of all its airs and graces where would 

 it be without me? Not for a moment will I let 

 it so outgrow me as to think it was self-made. 



[76] 



