noon
Fetched from the neighbouring cloister to receive her lover , she had thrown herself , without a scream , without even a sigh , upon the broad shield with its solemn burthen , which Adalgoth and Aligern were carrying through the gate with sad and slow steps . Before any one could speak , she had cried : `` I know all -- he is dead ! '' She had assisted them to lay the corpse in the sarcophagus , and while so occupied she had repeated to herself , in a low voice , these words : '' ` Him too thou seest , how stalwart , tall , and fair ! Yet must he yield to death and stubborn fate , Whene'er , at morn or noon or eve , the spear Or arrow from the bow may rend his life . Then may I , too , visit th ' eternal shades ! '' Then , without haste , quietly and slowly , she drew a dagger from her girdle , and with the words , `` Here , stern Christian God , take my soul ! thus I fulfil the vow ! ''