Mysterious shapes are they. Their mantles hang

Around them dark and heavy—hooded, veiled,

They give no sign of sorrow, nor of joy.

Slowly each form advances; and to me

Alone is given the right to raise those veils;

But as I lift each hood, upon the face

Beneath, my spirit traces there a mute

But yet unchanging record of my thoughts⁠—

A faithful impress of my inner self⁠—

Then past recall the hour floats away!