SHE who one day was my guest Shall be guest no more; Dark the room that knew her best, Closed and barred the door; Every casement locked to her Who was Sorrow's messenger. Now forbidden is the place That she knew of old, Nevermore her gloomy face Peers to scoff or scold, With her cracked voice pitched to wheeze Tales of drear despondencies. O, she made this hearth of mine Like a funeral; 'Neath her eyes the fire's bright shine Seemed to fade and fall; When the sun was gold, her gloom Made a shadow in the room. Overlong she sat with me Ere time made me wise, Hearing in her company Thrice told tales and lies Of old miseries that grew, Even as she told them, new. Be it lack of courtesy, Be it fault or sin, Nevermore to mine and me Shall she enter in, Nevermore my hands shall press Thine, O crone Unhappiness! Light the lamps and set the feast, Bid the music start, O ye joys or great or least Crowded from my heart, Now I bid the dance begin -- Pray ye laugh and enter in. Enter in, while Time endures, Merry joys of earth, Heart and house and home are yours, Yours are roof and hearth. Greet me, pledge me cup to lip In your old-time fellowship. I am free who once was slave, Pray ye, friends, carouse That this creature of the grave Is forbid my house. Laughter, lift your lips to me -- Kiss me, blue-eyed Comedy! |