of us. I want his eye
off me, I say.

Black. O, let him alone. I'd ask a burglar to have a seat in my
house a night like this--'pon honor, I would. Play up.
(They play on)

Poe. What a noble palace is here! How the gleaming vault
reaches to heaven and mocks the stars! What resplendent
lights! As though the master had taken burning planets for
his candles! How far they throw their beams--around the
world and into the nether sea!

Jug. (To Haines, who is looking at Poe) Mind your play there,
Haines.

Poe. I know this place. It is the poet's house of dream that
all my life I've sought to reach. I am dying now, and they
let me in, because I have been true to them. The master
will read it in my face. I have not eaten of the
flesh-pots! I have beggared my body, but I have not
beggared my soul!

Sharp. Curse it, Juggers! It's yours again!

Haines. Take your medicine, Sharp. A man must know how to lose
as well as win.

Poe. Yonder is the master, arrayed all in white and gold and
sapphire. Those angels that attend him are poets wrapped
in fires of love. They talk about me now, and ask if I am
worthy to come in. O, I have loved ye well, immortal dead!
Through noons that burnt the world I've tracked your dewy
shadows! No day died in my eyes but ye were whispering
priests! And midnight stars have learned your names of me!

Sharp. (Throwing down cards) It's that hoodoo in the corner!

Poe. How wonderful their voices! They speak a strange language,
but I can interpret it.

Sharp. I'll not play another card until he goes!

Poe. He says that by the trembling of the planet-lights an
earth-soul come this way. He sees me!

Black. Well, by Jacks, I've got a dollar for his supper and bed.

Poe. He says that 'tis a strange creature carrying a burning
brand in his bosom.

Sharp. You can afford to be a fool. You've helped Juggers rake
in.

Poe. Not a brand, he says, but an immortal star.

Sharp. Thomas, set that oil painting outside, will you?

Poe. They ask the master if they may come to meet me.
(Barkeeper approaches Poe) Ah, the master comes himself,
for I am one of the chosen.

Barkeeper.