Presently I wished to shun this
   screaming 'bout my left-out gun,
   "Thank you," said I, "For your
   forgiveness perhaps I should implore,
   But the fact is I was napping,
   when so loudly you came yapping,
   And so loudly you came yapping,
   rapping at my chamber door,
   That I more was sure I heard you.
   "--here I opened wide the door--
        There she stood from head to floor.

   Deep into those dark eyes peering,
   long I stood there wondering, fearing,
   Angry, dreaming dreams all mortal
   men have always dreamt before;
   But her hatred was unbroken, and
   my eyes they gave no token,
   And the only words there spoken
   were the whispered words, "You bore."
   This she wispered, and I murmured
   back a simple, "Evermore."
        Merely this and nothing more.

   So into the chamber turning,
   all my soul within me burning,
   Soon I heard again her nagging,
   somewhat louder then before;
   "Surely," said I, "Surely there are
   crimes that bring to you more terror
   Let me see, then, to this error,
   and this mystery explore--
   Let my heart be still a moment
   and this mystery explore--
        And shut your mouth for evermore!"