midnight
I am not a professional reader , but I have ever found pleasure in reciting the noble productions of our best authors , and I hope to give you pleasure . '' `` That 'll do , I think , '' said Fletcher , complacently . `` Now I 'll try The Raven . '' In a deep , sepulchral tone , Fletcher read the first verse , which is quoted below : -- `` Once upon a midnight dreary , while I pondered weak and weary , Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore , While I nodded , nearly napping , suddenly there came a tapping , As of some one gently rapping , rapping at my chamber door . `` Tis some visitor , ' I muttered , ` tapping at my chamber door -- Only this and nothing more . ' '' Was it fancy , or did Fletcher really hear a slow , measured tapping near him -- upon one of the trees , as it seemed ? He started , and looked nervously ; but the noise stopped , and he decided that he had been deceived , since no one was visible .