So I sat up and smoked a briar,

Till the hour struck twelve o’clock,—

When I noticed my terrier shaking with fright

And there came on the door a knock:

The dog shook like one with the ague,

And set up a long, low wail,

As the door opened softly and slowly

And I felt myself growing pale;

For I couldn’t think who could have entered,

This midnight call to make,