wan,
Uprising, unveiling affirm
That the play is the tragedy 'Man!'
And its hero the Conqueror Worm!

Ah! the thought pales from these lines like light from
dying cinders. Poetry is but ashes telling that a fire has
passed. (Sits gloomily. Suddenly remembers the raven,
turns and stares at it) You bird of damnation, leave me in
peace with my dead!... O, dreaming fool, 'tis nothing....
My mind's a chaos that surges up this fancy. (Tries to
write, stops, goes on, trembles, and looks up) ... Can I
know fear? I, the very nursling of dreams? Who have lived
in a world more tenanted with ghosts than men? I can not
be afraid.... (Tries to write. Drops pen. Shudders,
looking with furtive fear at the raven) ... I am ... I am
afraid.... Virginia! (Creeps toward bed) Stay with me,
little bride. My little rose-bride! (Fingers along
coverlet, looking at raven) Do not leave me. Quick, little
love! Give me life in a kiss! (Touches her hand, shrinks,
and springs up) Dead!... (Leans against foot of bed,
wildly facing the raven) Speak, fiend! From what dim
region of unbodied souls hast come? What hell ungorged
thee for her messenger? What sentence have the devils
passed upon me? To what foul residence in some blasted
star am I condemned? Speak! By every sigh that poisons
happy breath!--by every misery that in me rocks and
genders her swart young!--by yonder life that now in
golden ruin lies!--I charge thee speak! How long shall I
wander without rest? How long whirl in the breath of
unforgiving winds? Or burn in the refining forges of the
sun? When will the Universe gather me to her heart and
give me of her still, unthrobbing peace? Speak! When--O
when will this driven spirit be at home?

(Silence. Poe listens with intense expectation and fear.
The raven flies out) It spoke! (Hoarsely) It spoke! I
heard it! (Whispers) Nevermore! (He falls in a swoon.
Candle flickers in the wind and goes out. Darkness)

(CURTAIN)

ACT V.

Scene I: Poe's lodging, Baltimore. Small room. Cot, table, and one
chair. Poe writing)

Poe. (Pressing his temples) Thr