Strange, hollow clamors rang and echoed back,

As, struggling out of mine, I dropped and fell.

With frantic strength I beat upon the grate;

It yielded to my touch. Some careless hand

Had left the bolt half-slipped. My father swore

Afterward, with a curse, he would make sure

Next time. Next time! That hurts me even now!

Dead or alive I issued, scarce sure which,

And down the darkling street I wildly fled,

Led by a little, cold, and wandering moon,