Yet far in the distance appeared the faint ray. Then I weary became, For I thought that the flame Must be but a will-o'-the-wisp after all. When like magic appear'd, On an eminence rear'd, A hut, whence the light seemed in streams forth to play. But as I was gazing the light was extinguished, And nothing but darkness could well be distinguished. Still I groped on, determined the goal now to win. But the hut, though soon found, I had yet to walk round, Ere the door I perceived, when I tapped to begin; But a growl and a groan Were the answers alone That I got, so I lifted the latch and walked in. When, oh! what a sight to my eyes was portrayed! It made my flesh crawl--I was almost afraid, And nearly had run out again. But, quick plucking up courage, I stirred up the fire, Which, though nearly extinguished, soon shot up much higher And showed ev'ry thing plain. On a pallet, which seemed almost touching the fire, Made of rushes and heather embedded with mire, In a hollow scooped out of the floor, The skeleton form of a female was lying, Who, terribly groaning, appeared to be dying; I twice thought the struggle was o'er. When she lifted her arm that was shrivelled and bare, And raised up her head with a wild piercing stare, To demand who I was? what I wanted? and why I'd intruded where lonely she'd lived, and would die? Then begging her pardon, I told her I bore The order of monkhood, and grieved that I saw One who soon must be leaving this earth far behind So uneasy, and sorely perplexed in her mind. But confession, I said, is the readiest way To purchase relief; O then, wherefore delay, When I'm ready to hear all you're willing to say? Then flushes, like fire, o'er her visage of stone Flew swift, as she threw herself down with a groan; And seemed quite determined that nothing she'd own. For a minute or two there was silent suspense, When, as past hope of pardon I deemed my offence, I decided 'twas best I should hasten far hence. So gently on tiptoe I walked to the door. But suddenly turning, my movement she saw, And fixing upon me her keen piercing eye She bid me remain, as she meant to comply With what I'd requested, and make her confession, In hopes that her anguish of mind it might lessen. 'You must know then,' she said, 'That I formerly led The life of a gipsy, till seized with the gout; When as I no more with my race could roam out, Each one of my tribe Agreed to subscribe To build me a cottage, or shed of some kind, Where shelter and rest in my pain I might find. 'Twas a beautiful glen Where these generous men Erected my dwelling in less than a week, For they had not far for materials to seek, For a forest hard by Did the timber supply, Which they axed to support roof and ceiling. But though, after all, 'twas a rough-looking shed,