I held him tight, whispering very low,

'Tis a real ghost, for—I see it too!'

I felt his arm quiver under my clasp;

He started backwards with such a great start;

He flung up his arms, and cried with a gasp,

'Oh speak to me, Jack, whatever thou art!'

The ghost caught his hands with a cheer almost,

And shook them right manfully where it stood,

Shouting 'I'm neither a phantom nor ghost;

I am Jack Devize, and am flesh and blood!'