A sloping skylight on the white wall threw,

When the sun set, a melancholy hue;

The Hall of Vathek has a room so bare,

So small, so sad, so form’d to nourish care.

“Here,” said the Traveller, “all so dark within,

And dull without, a man might mourn for sin,

Or punish sinners—here a wanton wife

And vengeful husband might be cursed for life.” 420

His mind was now in just that wretched state

That deems Revenge our right, and crime our fate.