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[Text: Edgar Allan Poe to J. Augustus Shea - February 3, 1845.]

Dear Shea,

Lest I should have mate some mistake in the hurry I transcribe the whole alteration.

Instead of the whole stanza commencing "Wondering at the stillness broken &c--substitute this

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless", said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore--
Till the dirges of his Hope the melancholy burden bore,
'Nevermore--ah, nevermore!' "
At the close of the stanza preceding this, instead of "Quoth the raven Nevermore", substitute "Then the bird said "Nevermore".

Truly yours

Poe

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