When it rains he never shakes his feathers ; snow beats on him without disturbing his stately repose ; and he never puts his head under his wing at night , but keeps guard in darkness as in day , like a faithful sentinel . I like the big , lonely bird , call him my particular fowl , and often wish he 'd turn his head and speak to me . One night he did actually do it , or seemed to ; for I 've never been able to decide whether I dreamed what I 'm going to tell you , or whether it really happened . It was a stormy night ! and , as I drew down my curtain , I said to myself , after peering through the driving snow to catch a glimpse of my neighbour , ` Poor Goldy ! he 'll have a rough time of it . I hope this northeaster wo n't blow him off his perch . ' Then I sat down by my fire , took my knitting , and began to meditate . I 'm sure I did n't fall asleep ; but I ca n't prove it , so we 'll say no more about it . All at once there came a tap at my door , as I thought ; and I said ` Come in , ' just as Mr. Poe did when that unpleasant raven paid him a call . No one came , so I went to see who it was . Not a sign of a human soul in the long hall , only little Jessie , the poodle , asleep on her mat . Down I sat ; but in a minute the tap came again ; this time so loud that I knew it was at the window , and went to open it , thinking that one of my doves wanted to come in perhaps . Up went the sash , and in bounced something so big and so bright that it dazzled and scared me . ` Do n't be frightened , ma'am ; it 's only me , ' said a hoarse voice . So I collected my wits , rubbed my eyes , and looked at my visitor . It was the gold eagle off the City Hall ! I do n't expect to be believed ; but I wish you 'd been here to see , for I give you my word , it was a sight to behold . How he ever got in at such a small window I ca n't tell ; but there he was , strutting majestically up and down the room , his golden plumage rustling , and his keen eyes flashing as he walked . I really did n't know what to do .
I could n't imagine what he XXXXX for ; I had my doubts about the propriety of offering him a chair ; and he was so much bigger than I expected that I was afraid he might fly away with me , as the roc did with Sindbad : so I did nothing but sidle to the door , ready to whisk out , if my strange guest appeared to be peckishly inclined .
's Come blow came disturbing dreamed frightened give paid sat