Meaning: The quote "When it draws near to witching time of night" is from the poem "The Grave" by Robert Blair. This line is often interpreted as a reference to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere that is associated with the time of night when supernatural activities are believed to occur.

Robert Blair was a Scottish poet who lived from 1699 to 1746. He is best known for his work "The Grave," which was first published in 1743. The poem is a meditation on death and the afterlife, and it reflects the prevailing attitudes towards mortality and the supernatural in the 18th century.

The phrase "witching time of night" has been used in literature and folklore to describe the late hours of the night when supernatural occurrences are thought to be most likely. This concept has been a common motif in various cultures and has been associated with beliefs about witches, ghosts, and other supernatural beings.

In the context of Blair's poem, the line "When it draws near to witching time of night" serves to create a sense of foreboding and mystery. The use of the word "witching" evokes a feeling of magic and the supernatural, while the mention of "night" suggests a time when the normal boundaries between the living and the dead may become blurred.

Blair's choice of language and imagery in this line reflects the broader cultural fascination with the supernatural and the unknown during the 18th century. This period was marked by a growing interest in Gothic literature and a preoccupation with themes of death, darkness, and the supernatural.

The idea of a "witching time of night" also speaks to the human fascination with the unknown and the mysterious. Throughout history, people have been drawn to the idea of supernatural forces and the possibility of encountering the unexplained. This fascination is evident in literature, folklore, and popular culture, where the concept of the witching hour continues to be a recurring theme.

Overall, the quote "When it draws near to witching time of night" captures the sense of mystery and unease associated with the late hours of the night, when the imagination is most susceptible to thoughts of the supernatural. It reflects the enduring human fascination with the unknown and the mysterious, as well as the cultural preoccupation with themes of death and the afterlife. Robert Blair's use of this evocative phrase in "The Grave" contributes to the poem's haunting and atmospheric tone, making it a memorable and enduring piece of literature.