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48

Another chamber lies apart Within the portals of my heart,
 * Whose easy door swings wide;

And when my feet its threshold tread A tumult in my soul is bred
 * That sweeps me like a tide.

And from it, too, there runs a stair That leads without, I know not where,
 * But flitting forms I see,

Who would my spirit fain beguile With soft beseeching look and smile
 * To join their revelry.

And some dark presence hovering near Constrains me, whispering in my ear—
 * Exultant, smooth and bold—

The same alluring, honied word— The subtle promise Jesus heard
 * Upon the Mount of old.

Some day the portals of my heart Shall riven be, and fall apart,
 * Touched by a power unknown;

And I, a pallid ghost, must flee Far out into eternity,
 * Unshriven and alone.