Bells, bells, bells,―― To the moaning and the groaning of the bells. * * * * * THE RAVEN. This poem is generally allowed to be one of the most remarkable examples of a harmony of sentiment with rhythmical expression to be found in any language. While the poet sits musing in his study, endeavoring to win from books “surcease of sorrow for the lost Lenore,” a raven――the symbol of despair――enters the room and perches upon a bust of Pallas. A colloquy follows between the poet and the bird of ill omen with its haunting croak of “Nevermore.” Illustration: THE RAVEN. ONCE upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of ♦forgotten lore,―― While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber-door. “’Tis some visitor,” I mutter’d, “tapping at my chamber-door―― Only this and nothing more.” Ah, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow――sorrow for the lost Lenore,―― For the rare and ♣radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore,―― Nameless here forevermore. And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain, Thrilled me,――filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating, “’Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber-door,―― Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber-door; That it is, and nothing more.” Presently my soul grew stronger: hesitating then no longer, “Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore; But the fact is, I was napping, and so gently you came rapping, And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber-door, That I scarce was sure I heard you”――here I opened wide the door: Darkness there, and nothing more. Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before; But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token, And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, “Lenore!” This _I_ whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, “LENORE!” Merely this, and nothing more.