noon
But in the particular instance to which we refer , it was considered a sacred duty to uphold and applaud the Lord Protector whenever there occurred an opportunity for so doing ; and sound-hearted Puritans would make a pilgrimage for the purpose with as much zeal as ever Roman Catholics evinced in visiting the shrine of some holy saint . The ships rode proudly in the harbour , and groups of the gentry were occasionally conveyed on board by boats , that waited for the purpose both at Queenborough and Sheerness . It was an animated scene , but the soul of all was wanting , for neither Cromwell , nor any portion of the court , made their appearance . When it was noon , the people hoped he would arrive ere evening ; but , as the evening advanced , and he failed to enter upon the scene , there was a general manifestation of disappointment throughout the crowd , although some few rejoiced at the occurrence , holding it a sign of fear on his part , as if he dreaded to be seen among them . A party , consisting of ten or twelve persons , at Queenborough , had gathered round the trunk of a withered and hollow oak , growing in front of a public-house , that displayed the head of the Lord Protector -- a political lure , that was certain to attract all Commonwealth people to the receipt of custom . The noble tree had been one of magnificent growth , but age or accident had severed the trunk , and within its heart decay had long been revelling . It was now perfectly hollow , and afforded a free passage ; two enormous props had been found necessary , to prevent its making a last resting-place of the earth it had for ages triumphantly protected .