A DREARY NIGHT A darkling mist hung over the land, And covered the country round With a drizzling rain as thick as sand, - Drip, drip ! was the only sound. For I had lain in the street that night, As the gloomy hours flew by, Counting the drops by the dismal light Of a lamp that stood me nigh. A being came near me through the mist, A shrouded and cloth-clad thing. I heard him speak, but the words, I wist, Came with a scornful ring. For harshly they fell on the midnight air, And made me tremble within, The words I remember, for they were, “Get Up ! or I’ll run you in !” -Figaro.