Phantasmagoria, The Original Edition

(Original Unabridged Edition)

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!
That’s a most inconsiderate plan.
     Less noise there, if you please!”