Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore -
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Nights Plutonian shore!
Quoth the Raven Nevermore.