As wan as corpses', but with wings like flames,

Glared on me from each wall.

Those fixed orbs haunted me; I grew to hate

Those square and skinny jaws, those high-cheek bones.

Nocturnes in soot and symphonies in slate

Moved me to sighs and groans.

Queer convolutions of dim drapery

Inwrapt me like a Nessus-snare.

I seemed enmeshed in tangles hot and dry

Of copper-coloured hair.