Surely, I mused, it was a pleasantry
Devised by one who did not truly know
The Elder Sign, bequeathed from long ago,
That sets the fumbling forms of darkness free.
He had not meant it — no — but still I lit
Another lamp as starry Leo climbed
Out of the Seekonk, and a steeple chimed
Three — and the firelight faded, bit by bit.
Then at the door that cautious rattling came —
And the mad truth devoured me like a flame!