There was some tie between you) into this
Pretended den of refuge, to become
The victim of your guilt; and my first thought
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.

_Sieg._ And yet I had horrid dreams! and such brief sleep,
The stars had not gone down when I awoke.
Why didst thou spare me? I dreamt of my father--
And now my dream is out!

_Gab._ 'Tis not my fault, 360
If I have read it.--Well! I fled and hid me--
Chance led me here after so many moons--
And showed me Werner in Count Siegendorf!
Werner, whom I had sought in huts in vain,
Inhabited the palace of a sovereign!
You sought me and have found me--now you know
My secret, and may weigh its worth.

_Sieg._ (_after a pause_). Indeed!

_Gab._ Is it revenge or justice which inspires
Your meditation?

_Sieg._ Neither--I was weighing
The value of your secret.

_Gab._ You shall know it 370
At once:--When you were poor, and I, though poor,
Rich enough to relieve such poverty
As might have envied mine, I offered you
My purse--you would not share it:--I'll be franker
With you: you are wealthy, noble, trusted by
The imperial powers--you understand me?

_Sieg._ Yes.

_Gab._ Not quite. You think me venal, and scarce true:
'Tis no less true, however, that my fortunes
Have made me both at present. You shall aid me:
I would have aided you--and also have 380
Been somewhat damaged in my name to save
Yours and your son's. Weigh well what I have said.

_Sieg._ Dare you await the event of a few minutes'
Deliberation?

_Gab._ (_casts his eyes on_ ULRIC, _who is
leaning against a pillar_). If I should do so?

_Sieg._ I pledge my life for yours. Withdraw int