Hospitality

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A few gourd leaves that waved about
  Cut down and boiled;--the feast how spare!
  But the good host his spirits takes,
  Pours out a cup, and proves them rare.

  A single rabbit on the mat,
  Or baked, or roast:--how small the feast!
  But the good host his spirits takes,
  And fills the cup of every guest.

  A single rabbit on the mat,
  Roasted or broiled:--how poor the meal!
  But the guests from the spirit vase
  Fill their host's cup, and drink his weal.

  A single rabbit on the mat,
  Roasted or baked:--no feast we think!
  But from the spirit vase they take,
  Both host and guests, and joyous drink.

© Confucius