Still, and a nearer one Yet, than all other? Alas! for the rarity Oh, it was pitiful! Near a whole city full, Home she had none. Sisterly, brotherly, Feelings had changed,- Love, by harsh evidence, Even God's providence Seeming estranged. Where the lamps quiver So far in the river, With many a light From window and casement, From garret to basement, She stood with amazement, Houseless by night. The bleak wind of March Made her tremble and shiver; But not the dark arch, Or the black flowing river; Mad from life's history, Glad to death's mystery, Swift to be hurled Anywhere, anywhere Out of the world! In she plunged boldly, No matter how coldly Over the brink of it! Picture it, think of it! Dissolute man! Lave in it, drink of it Then, if you can! Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care! Fashioned so slenderly, Young, and so fair! Ere her limbs, frigidly, Stiffen too rigidly, Decently, kindly, Smooth and compose them; Through muddy impurity, Last look of despairing Perishing gloomily, Into her rest! Cross her hands humbly, As if praying dumbly, Over her breast! Owning her weakness, Her evil behavior, And leaving, with meekness, Her sins to her Savior! EDGAR ALLEN POE. EDGAR ALLEN POE was born in Boston, January 19, 1809, and after a tempestuous life of forty years, he died in Baltimore, October 7, 1849. His father, the son of a distinguished officer in the Revolutionary army, was educated for the law, but having married the beautiful English actress, Elizabeth Arnold, he abandoned law, and in company with his wife, led a wandering life on the stage. The two died within a short time of each other, leaving three children entirely destitute. Edgar, the second son, a bright, beautiful boy, was adopted by John Allen, a wealthy citizen of Richmond. Allen, having no children of his own, became very much attached to Edgar, and used his wealth freely in educating the boy. At the age of seven, he was sent to school at Stoke Newington, near London, where he remained for six years. During the next three years he studied under private tutors, at the residence of the Allens, in Richmond. In 1826 he entered the university of Virginia, where he remained less than a year. After a year or two of fruitless life at home, a cadetship was obtained for him at West Point. He was soon tried by court-martial and expelled from school because he drank to excess and neglected his studies. Thus ended his school days. |