Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SPECTRE OF TAPPINGTON by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM

Poem Explanation

First Line: IT IS VERY ODD, THOUGH; WHAT CAN HAVE BECOME OF
Last Line: TO 'SLIP IN THE BREECHES
'Twas in the middle of the night,
To sleep young William tried;
When, with a ghastly, dreadful sight,
His eyes were opened wide!
When gliding slowly by his bed,
With solemn steps and slow,
With blood his ancient vestments red,
The SPECTRE came and stood!
Then, William shrieked; the sounding walls
Sent back the shriek he gave:
Oh, mercy! mercy on us, all,
Some other victim save!
Then, Tappington for many a day,
In fearful mem'ry lay;
And William's hair grew white as clay,
Upon his living head!




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