This I now seized and drew forth.

It lurked out of view: but I now see that my state of mind would have rendered the deed inevitable if my brother had lifted his hand.

This instrument of my preservation would have been plunged into his heart.
O, insupportable remembrance! hide thee from my view for a time; hide it from me that my heart was black enough to meditate the stabbing of a brother! a brother thus supreme in misery; thus towering in virtue! He was probably unconscious of my design, but presently drew back.
This interval was sufficient to restore me to myself.

The madness, the iniquity of that act which I had purposed rushed upon my apprehension.
For a moment I was breathless with agony.

At the next moment I recovered my strength, and threw the knife with violence on the floor.
The sound awoke my brother from his reverie.