Part 9 (1/2)

Respite-respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!

Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!”

Quoth the Raven, ”Nevermore.”

”Prophet!” said I, ”thing of evil!-prophet still, if bird or devil!-

Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ash.o.r.e,

Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-

On this home by Horror haunted,-tell me truly, I implore-

Is there-is there balm in Gilead?-tell me-tell me, I implore!”

Quoth the Raven, ”Nevermore.”

”Prophet!” said I, ”thing of evil-prophet still, if bird or devil!

By that heaven that bends above us-by that G.o.d we both adore-

Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,

It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore-

Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore.”

Quoth the Raven, ”Nevermore.”

”Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!” I shrieked, upstarting-

”Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian sh.o.r.e!