Back thro’ the hall she bent her way;

All, all was solitude around!

The candle shed a feeble ray,——

Tho’ a large mould of four to th’ pound.

Full closely to the fire she drew;

Adown her cheek a salt tear stole;

When, lo! a coffin out there flew,

And in her apron burnt a hole!

Spiders their busy death-watch tick’d;

A certain sign that Fate will frown;