8 
HOUSE & GARDEN 
GATES AND DOORS 
A Ballad of Christmas Eve 
JOYCE KILMER 
Decorations by John Scott Williams 
HERE was a gentle hostler 
(And blessed be bis name!) 
He opened up the stable 
The night Our Lady came. 
Our Lady and Saint Joseph, 
He gave them food and bed, 
And Jesus Christ has given him 
A glory round his head. 
0 let the gate swing open 
However poor the yard, 
Lest weary people visit yon 
And find their passage barred. 
Unlatch the door at midnight 
And let your lantern’s glow 
Shine out to guide the traveler’s feet 
To you across the snow. 
HERE was a courteous hostler 
(He is in Heaven tonight!) 
He held Our Lady’s bridle 
And helped her to alight, 
He spread clean straw before her 
Whereon she might lie down, 
And Jesus Christ has given him 
An everlasting crown. 
NLOCK the door this evening 
And let the gate swing wide, 
Let all mho ask for shelter 
Come speedily inside. 
What if your yard be narrow? 
What if your house be small? 
There is a Guest is coming 
Will glorify it all. 
INHERE was a joyous hostler 
Who knelt on Christmas morn 
Beside the radiant manger 
Wherein his Lord was born. 
His heart was full of laughter, 
His soul was full of bliss 
When Jesus, on His mother’s lap, 
Gave him His hand to kiss. 
NBAR your heart this evening 
And keep no stranger out. 
Take from your soul’s great portal 
The barrier of doubt. 
To humble folk and weary 
Give hearty welcoming. 
Your breast shall be to-morrow 
The cradle of a King. 
