noon
Nothing escaped his inspection . When he was through , of the community crowded within the narrow walls he alone knew perfectly all there was of material preparation for the voyage and its possible incidents ; and , finding the preparation complete , there was left him but one thing further -- thorough knowledge of the personnel of his command . As this was the most delicate and difficult part of his task , requiring much time , he set about it his own way . At noon that day the galley was skimming the sea off Paestum . The wind was yet from the west , filling the sail to the master 's content . The watches had been established . On the foredeck the altar had been set and sprinkled with salt and barley , and before it the tribune had offered solemn prayers to Jove and to Neptune and all the Oceanidae , and , with vows , poured the wine and burned the incense .