noon
_ I _ told her , '' he said crossly . In the still cold before the sun HER LAUDS Her brothers and her sisters small She woke , and washed and dressed each one . And through the morning hours all , PRIME Singing above her broom , she stood And swept the house from hall to hall . At noon she ran with tidings good TERCE Across the field and down the lane To share them with the neighborhood . Four miles she walked and home again , SEXT To sit through half the afternoon And hear a feeble crone complain ; But when she saw the frosty moon NONES And lakes of shadow on the hill Her maiden dreams grew bright as noon . She threw her pitying apron frill VESPERS Over a little trembling mouse When the sleek cat yawned on the sill , In the late hours and drowsy house . COMPLINE At last , too tired , beside her bed She fell asleep ... her prayers half said .