Was vengeance: but though armed with a short poniard

(Having left my sword without), I was no match

For him at any time, as had been proved

That morning—either in address or force.350

I turned and fled—i' the dark: chance rather than

Skill made me gain the secret door of the hall,

And thence the chamber where you slept: if I

Had found you waking, Heaven alone can tell

What vengeance and suspicion might have prompted;

But ne'er slept guilt as Werner slept that night.