"The Presence that stands Upon the stairs
The unseen hands That move the chairs.
The lights that play Across the wall,
The stains that stay, The plates that fall,
The mist , the chill, The wandering scents
This gentle spell must speed them hence.
At midnight, set A table neat,
With cup and plate, And wine and meat,
Invite the ghost To sit and feast,
As any host Should urge a guest.
Presently, clear The meal away,
Then open the door and softly say-
"Quick or dead, Thou art fed,
Cease to grieve And take thy leave"
Bid him depart But should he remain
Be calm, take heart And feast him again.
