Of wingèd hounds upon his lurid track,
Lewd mocking spirits filled the thickening air,
Swarming as to a charnel banquet there.
Close at my ear burst forth a piercing yell,
As if each ghoul and fiend from nether hell
Had burst its bonds, and joined that chorus fell;
My quivering veins and nerves to frenzy stung,
In discord jangled like a harp unstrung.
Suddenly at my heart a quick sharp pluck,
As ’twere some foot of small fierce bird had struck