III.

Seize--seize--seize![N] Bind him strong in the chain, On his heart, on his brain, Clasp the links of the evil Sleep! Seize--seize--seize-- Ye fiends that dimly sweep Up from the Stygian deep, Where Death sits watchful by his brother's side! Ye pale Impalpables, that are Shadows of Truths afar, Appearing oft to warn, but ne'er to guide,-- Hover around the calm, disdainful Fates, Reveal the woof through which the spindle gleams:-- Open, ye Ebon gates! Darken the moon--O Dreams!

Seize--seize--seize-- Bind him strong in the chain, On his heart, on his brain, Clasp the links of the evil Sleep!

Awakes or dreams he still? His eyes are open with a glassy stare, On the fix'd brow the large drops gather chill, And horror, like a wind, stirs through the lifted hair. Before him stands the Thing of Dread-- A giant shadow motionless and pale! As those dim Lemur-Vapours that exhale From the rank grasses rotting o'er the Dead, And startle midnight with the mocking show Of the still, shrouded bones that sleep below-- So the wan image which the Vision bore Was outlined from the air, no more Than served to make the loathing sense a bond Between the world of life, and grislier worlds beyond.