noon
my learned Hakim , '' said the king , `` come , I hope , to tax our generosity . '' `` I come to request instant speech with you -- instant . '' `` Retire then , Berengaria , '' said the monarch . `` Nay , renew not thy importunities -- nay , this I give to thee -- the execution shall not be till high noon . Edith , go -- if you are wise . '' The females hurried from the tent , and El Hakim made his humble prayer for the knight about to die . The king hardening himself as the leech assumed a more lofty tone : `` Know , then , '' he said , `` that through every court of Europe and Asia will I denounce thee as thankless and ungenerous . ''