midnight
The old distich may be traced to some other county : `` The Allerley oak stands high , abune trees ; When the raven croaks there , an Allerley dees . '' Such rhymes have generally something to rest upon , but I can not associate this with any county , far less a family . -RSB- All things are neglected , time-smitten there , Crazy and cobwebbed , mildewed and worn , Moth-eaten , weeviled , dusty , forlorn , Everything owning to waning and wear ; From the baron 's hall to the lady 's bower NEGLECT is the watchword in Allerley Tower . There is silence within old Allerley Hall , Save the raven without with her `` croak , croak , '' And the cricket 's `` click , click , '' in the panels of oak , Behind the dim arras that hangs on the wall ; So silent and sad in the midnight hour , Yet life may still linger in Allerley Tower . An old woman sits by a carved old bed -- The drape of green silk , all yellow and sere , The gold-coloured fringes dingy and drear ; And she nods and nods her silvery head , And sometimes she looks with a half-drowsy air . To notice how Death may be working there . Lord William lies there , care-worn and pale , All his sunlight of spirit has passed away , And left to him only that twilight of grey Which ushers men into the long dark vale ; Fast ebbing his life , yet feeling no pain , Save a memory working within his brain .