And that those who have passed to the further shore

May be hailed—at a price—on the road to En-dor.

But they are so deep in their new eclipse

[56]

Nothing they say can reach,

Unless it be uttered by alien lips

And framed in a stranger's speech.

The son must send word to the mother that bore,

Through an hireling's mouth. 'Tis the rule of En-dor.

And not for nothing these gifts are shown

By such as delight our dead.

They must twitch and stiffen and slaver a groan

Ere the eyes are set in the head,

And the voice from the belly begins. Therefore

We pay them a wage where they ply at En-dor.

Even so, we have need of faith

And patience to follow the clue.

Often, at first, what the dear one saith

Is babble, or jest, or untrue.

(Lying spirits perplex us sore

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