By Edgar Allan Poe
Published on January 29, 1847
Complete Text With Annotation and Endnotes by Michael J. Cummings
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,............[meditated, studied]
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,....................[archaic, old] [book of knowledge or myths]
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,...............[example of alliteration]
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door....................[bedroom or study]
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more."...................................................................
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,.......................[internal rhyme]
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor...........[glowing wood fragment in fireplace] [formed ash]
Eagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had sought to borrow.....................[next day]
From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore-..............[an end, a pause, a delay]
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.......................[example of alliteration]
Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;....................[unreal, imaginary; weird, strange]
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-..... ...............[begging, pleading for]
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
This it is, and nothing more."
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;.........................[beg, ask for]
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so