Beyond the clash and clang of cars, The clamorous rush of trade, One night at earliest peer of stars, Apart alone I strayed. Crossing a little square where eve Descended, pensive-eyed, Lo, a soft touch upon my sleeve,— A slim form at my side! He bowed with old-time courtesy, And words urbane on lip, Craving, in gracious wise, of me A twilight comradeship. His hat was strange; his coat was strange; His mien had subtle grace; Emotions swept in restless change Across his shadowed face. He dwelt upon the lapse of years; His voice, smooth-toned and low, Compassed the ecstasies and tears Of those dead long ago. His speech with anecdote was fraught Of bygone beau and dame, And evermore the sound I caught Of Blennerhasset's name. At length I shrank as though a-cold; Methought I heard a moan, And when I turned my eyes, behold, I was once more alone! My questioning heart within my side Gave sudden startled stir;— I had companioned, stride for stride, The wraith of Aaron Burr! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A TRUE HYMN [HYMNE] by GEORGE HERBERT THE BATTLE OF LA PRAIRIE, 1691 by WILLIAM DOUW LIGHTHALL SONNETS TO LAURA IN LIFE: 109 by PETRARCH MIRTH by EDITH COURTENAY BABBITT PSALM 15 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE THE TALENTS by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE IN MEMORY OF JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT |