Phantasmagoria and Other Poems

One winter night, at half-past nine, Cold, tired, and cross, and muddy, And supper, with cigars and wine, Was waiting in the study. There was a strangeness in the room, And Something white and wavyWas standing near me in the gloom --"I" took it for the carpet-broomLeft by that careless slavey. But presently the Thing beganTo shiver and to sneeze: On which I said "Come, come, my man That's a most inconsiderate plan.Less noise there, if you please " "I've caught a cold," the Thing replies, "Out there upon the landing."And there, before my very eyes, A little Ghost was standing