Lewis Carroll

Phantasmagoria and Other Poems by Lewis Carroll

One winter night, at half-past nine, Cold, tired, and cross, and muddy, I had come

home, too late to dine, And supper, with cigars and wine, Was waiting in the study.

There was a strangeness in the room, And Something white and wavy Was standing

near me in the gloom -- I took it for the carpet-broom Left by that careless slavey. But

presently the Thing began To shiver and to sneeze: On which I said "Come, come, my

man! That's a most inconsiderate plan. Less noise there, if you please!" "I've caught a

cold," the Thing replies, "Out there upon the landing." I turned to look in some

surprise, And there, before my very eyes, A little Ghost was standing!