Phantasmagoria and Other Poems

Argumento de Phantasmagoria and Other Poems

Cold, tired, and cross, and muddy,

I had come home, too late to dine,

And supper, with cigars and wine,

Was waiting in the study.

There was a strangeness in the room,

And Something white and wavy

Was standing near me in the gloom --

I took it for the carpet-broom

Left by that careless slavey.

But presently the Thing began

To shiver and to sneeze:

On which I said "Come, come, my man!

That's a most inconsiderate plan.

Less noise there, if you please!"

"I've caught a cold," the Thing replies,

"Out there upon the landing."

I turned to look in some surprise,

And there, before my very eyes,

A little Ghost was standing!0