With unshod feet at dead of night

In stealth he to the guest-room crept,

Lantern and dagger in his hand,

And stabbed his victim while he slept.

But as he struck a scream there came,

A fearful scream so loud and shrill:

He whelm’d the face with pillows o’er,

And lean’d till all had long been still.

Then to the face the flame he held

To see there should no life remain:—