University of Virginia Library

I.
In dreams, one winter night,
Methought a solemn bell did toll
A death-knell, wild and dark—
The corse a soul—a LIFELESS SOUL.
II.
A soul that in its coffin lay,
Made of the wondrous Tree of Life;
Fruits and flowers were o'er it strown—
The flowers of love, and fruits of strife.
III.
Methought the corse arose,
And, with its shadowy face,
Smiled on a phantom band,
Who thronged the ghastly place.
IV.
Images of Love were clust'ring there,
Phantoms of Hope and wither'd Care;
And' brooding o'er the coffin's-head,
With leaden look, sate wan Despair.
V.
And then the corse sent up a wail—
A wail to Him unknown;
And cursed the light that gave it birth,
With gibbering laugh and moan.
VI.
And then methought the unseen bell
Did sad and mournful toll;
While the phantoms gathered round—
Mourners o'er the lifeless soul.