Phantasmagoria and Other Poems

One winter night at half-past nine Cold tired and cross and muddy I had come home too late to dine And supper with cigars and wine Was waiting in the study. There was a strangeness in the room And Something white and wavy Was standing near me in the gloom -- I took it for the carpet-broom Left by that careless slavey. But presently the Thing began To shiver and to sneeze: On which I said Come come my man! Thats a most inconsiderate plan. Less noise there if you please! Ive caught a cold the Thing replies Out there upon the landing. I turned to look in some surprise And there before my very eyes A little Ghost was standing!