The first
hour after midnight
I wish to behold , test , and judge my rival , heart and mind , ere I condemn her . I will engage in the conflict to which she challenged the loving wife and mother ! But -- this is my right -- I will compel her to show herself to me as Antony so often saw me during the past few weeks , unaided and unimproved by the arts which we both have at command . '' Then , without paying any further heed to her attendant , she went to a window , and , after a swift glance at the sky , added quietly : `` The first hour after midnight is drawing to a close . The council will begin immediately . The matter to be under discussion is a venture which might save much from the wreck . The council will last two hours , perchance only one .