The Conqueror Worm: Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his poetry and short stories. Lo! ’tis a gala night Within the lonesome latter years! An angel throng, bewinged, bedight In veils, and drowned in tears, Sit in a theatre, to see A play of hopes and fears, While the orchestra breathes fitfully The music of the spheres.