Silence: then, scratching like a death-watch-tick,

Slowly within my brain was syllabled,

"One more concession, one decisive way

And but one, to determine thee the truth,—

This way, in fine, I whisper in thy ear:

Now doubt, anon decide, thereupon act!"

"That is a way, thou whisperest in my ear!

I doubt, I will decide, then act," said I—

Then beckoned my companions: "Time is come!"

And so, all yet uncertain save the will