And takes the fancy of a guest,

And makes my house no house of rest:

I would its voice were gone.

Yet be indulgent, sirs! 'Tis old.

Next week it shall be burnt or sold.

A new—" The voice went on:

"Here have I stood while life unrolled

But not the tale my breezes told.

Moonlight alone conceals the cold

Drab city's lack of heart.