An unfamiliar sound disturbed my sleep—
And as I drew the curtains from my brain,
I there beheld a sight to make one weep:
The orphaned thought of some forgotten pain.
I knew her cherub face, but though I tried,
I could not couple it with any name.
And when I bade her speak, she only cried;
I felt her grief, but knew not whence it came.
Then nameless woe gave way to formless Fear—
I said to it, “If God has banished you
Once from my mind, you are not welcome here.
In His name, leave me now!”
It turned and flew
On wings of unaccountable despair,
With horns protruding from its golden hair.