About three in the afternoon
`` But we should go to a place where there is no uproar . '' In fact , in the palace which the prince occupied as many people thronged in the inner and outer court as at a fair . They ate , drank , sang , raced or rested , and all this to enhance the glory of the viceroy whom they were serving . About three in the afternoon , the nomarch gave command to bring two horses , and with the prince he rode forth from the city westward . The court remained in the palace and amused itself with still greater gladness . The day was beautiful , cool ; the earth was covered with plants and flowers . Over the beads of the horsemen were heard the songs of birds , the air was full of fragrance .