SILENCE — A SONNET. 

There are some qualities — some incorporate things —
    That have a double life — life aptly made
The type of that twin entity which springs
    From matter and light — evinced in solid and shade.

There is a two-fold Silence — sea and shore —
    Body and soul. One dwells in desert places
    Newly with grass oergrown. Some solemn graces,
Some human memories (a tearful lore)
Render him terrorless — his name’s “No More”.

He is the corporate Silence — dread him not.
    No power hath he of evil in himself.
But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)
    Bring thee to meet his shadow — (nameless elf,
Who haunteth the dim regions where hath trod
No foot of man) — commend thyself to God!

With every sentiment of respect,

I am
Yr Obt St
Edgar A Poe.

To
Joseph B. Boyd, Esquire
Cincinnati,
Ohio.