He is my guardian angel, but alack!

Darker than night he is—than hell more black.

A fearful-looking bird, with wings wide spread,

Ill-omened as the Devil, and as dread;

He hovers round my wasted body, till

I wonder if I yet have life or will.

Upon his wings no spot of white appears,

His plumage black sheds horror down, and fears.

Black are his talons—sharp, like daggers fell;

And like a hound I hear him howl and yell.