midnight
Indeed , within the walls of the Castle we had a colony of the unhappy , deserted by their relatives , and in themselves helpless , sufficient to occupy her time and attention , while ceaseless anxiety for my welfare and the health of her children , however she strove to curb or conceal it , absorbed all her thoughts , and undermined the vital principle . After watching over and providing for their safety , her second care was to hide from me her anguish and tears . Each night I returned to the Castle , and found there repose and love awaiting me . Often I waited beside the bed of death till midnight , and through the obscurity of rainy , cloudy nights rode many miles , sustained by one circumstance only , the safety and sheltered repose of those I loved . If some scene of tremendous agony shook my frame and fevered my brow , I would lay my head on the lap of Idris , and the tumultuous pulses subsided into a temperate flow -- her smile could raise me from hopelessness , her embrace bathe my sorrowing heart in calm peace . Summer advanced , and , crowned with the sun 's potent rays , plague shot her unerring shafts over the earth . The nations beneath their influence bowed their heads , and died .