Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore,—

Let my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore;—

’Tis the wind, and nothing more.”

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,

In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.

Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;

But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door,—

Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door,—

Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,