six o'clock
And up to this period , when his more direct action on political affairs had only just begun , it is probable that his imperious need of ascendancy had burned undiscernibly in the strong flame of his zeal for God and man . It was the fashion of old , when an ox was led out for sacrifice to Jupiter , to chalk the dark spots , and give the offering a false show of unblemished whiteness . Let us fling away the chalk , and boldly say , -- the victim is spotted , but it is not therefore in vain that his mighty heart is laid on the altar of men 's highest hopes . At six o'clock that evening most people in Florence were glad the entrance of the new Charlemagne was fairly over . Doubtless when the roll of drums , the blast of trumpets , and the tramp of horses along the Pisan road began to mingle with the pealing of the excited bells , it was a grand moment for those who were stationed on turreted roofs , and could see the long-winding terrible pomp on the background of the green hills and valley . There was no sunshine to light up the splendour of banners , and spears , and plumes , and silken surcoats , but there was no thick cloud of dust to hide it , and as the picked troops advanced into close view , they could be seen all the more distinctly for the absence of dancing glitter . Tall and tough Scotch archers , Swiss halberdiers fierce and ponderous , nimble Gascons ready to wheel and climb , cavalry in which each man looked like a knight-errant with his indomitable spear and charger -- it was satisfactory to be assured that they would injure nobody but the enemies of God !