AT THE "PORTER MANSE."
Reading edition
[That part of the Porter Manse containing the room referred to was built early in the last half of the seventeenth century. It was the house which Wenham (the first distinct township set off—in 1639—from Salem) gave to the second pastor of its church, Rev. Antipas Newman, who married, while living there, Governor Winthrop's daughter. It was bought by John Porter in 1703, and has remained in his family name without alienation to this day.]
Before a smouldering fire at twilight hour I muse alone. The ancient room, low-beamed, Holds for my ear thoughts voiced by forms that teemed Two hundred years ago with life and power. I breathe the essence of sweet joys that flower In light of home; while life that only seemed On history's page becomes the real, redeemed From all the chaff that time fails not to shower. Ah, such old places, holding through the years Continuous life of man's activity, Reveal a wealth beyond that which appears In modern homes built e'er so lovingly. Imbued so long with human hopes and fears, Have they not claim to personality?