122 A VISION. 



Its eyeballs from their sockets wild 

 Stared at me, fierce and red ; — 



I shuddered like an infant child, 

 And many a tear I shed. 



It tried to clasp me in its arms, 



My virgin blood to sip ; 

 My heart it overcame with qualms, — 



I dashed away its lip. 



And then it raised its livid crest. 



And terribly did say, 

 " You never shall be at rest. 



Fair Maid, — with me away. 



" Tliis gloomy hour, I come to tell 



Your fearfid heart betide ; 

 Awav, away ! — I break the spell, 



I claim tou as my bride." 



" What ! claim me as your bride," lisp'd I, 



" You ghastly ugly sprite ! 

 My beauty tempt, and nature try, 



At this mid hour of night ! 



" Vain monster, hence, be off and fly ! 



I sicken to be thine ; 

 With chastity I do defy 



The threats you now divine. 



" Nay ! honour, wisdom, — I'm too proud 



To be betrothed to thee." 

 " 'Tis false," the demon roar'd aloud, 



" Thou art betrothed to me." 



" Oh fiend !" I said, " be calm, be still, 



You never can claim me ;" — 

 " Yes, claim you always, 'gainst your will. 



When you least expect me. 



Upon your bridal morn I'll come, 



My claim will never falter ; 

 Mv visag"^ you can never shun ; 



I'll claim you at the altar." 



A light blue flame lit up the night. 

 The vampire vanish' d from my sight ; 

 Methought it had my blood to sip, 

 And left a taint upon my lip ; 

 And oh ! to wipe away its stain, 

 A madness seized rav heated brain ; 



