You'll remember that a Raven in my study found a haven
On a plaster bust of Pallas, just above my chamber-door ;
And that with no sign of flitting, he persisted there in sitting
Till, I'm not above admitting, that I found that bird a bore.
Found him, as he sat and watched me, an indubitable bore, With his dreary "Nevermore."
But it was, in fact, my liver caused me so to shake and shiver,
And to think a common Raven supernatural influence bore;
I in truth had, after dining, been engaged some hours in "wining"—
To a grand old port inclining—which its date was '44!
And it was this crusted vintage, of the season '44, Which had muddled me so sore.
But next morn my "Eno" taking, for my head was sadly aching,
I descended to my study, and a wicker cage I bore.
There the Raven sat undaunted, but I now was disenchanted,
And the sable fowl I taunted as I "H-s-s-h-d !" him from my door,
As I took up books and shied them till he flew from off my door, Hoarsely croaking, "Nevermore !"
