noon
`` Some carry corn , some carry their young , and all go to and fro -- at last a little heap of dust ! '' The states ' attorney took his seat , with frantic applause rattling in his ears . Although the sentiments of Bacon were variable , mixed , foreign and epigrammatic , they received great attention ; for no matter who may be the speaker at a banquet where royalty and power are the subjects at issue , there will be great and tremendous cheering by little sycophants who expect reward , and of course , by those patriots who have already received favors from the administration pie counter . Sir Walter at last arose and said `` that although the hour was late , or , more properly speaking , early , he earnestly desired the noble gentlemen present to hear one whose fame , in the world of dramatic letters , like the morning sun , had already flashed upon the horizon and rapidly approached the high noon of earthly immortality -- William Shakspere , of Stratford-on-Avon ! '' Then could be heard roof-lifting cheers by all present , who had often heard the Bard in his lofty language and kingly strides at the Blackfriars . William , in the flush of self-conscious , imperial , splendid manhood exclaimed : `` Gentlemen : _ Your toast of glory to The Virgin Queen Cracks high heaven with reverberation , And through the ambient air , sonorous , The echoing muses mingle the Harmony of the spheres with celestial repetition ! Elizabeth , I lift my song to thee , In holy adoration To echo down the flowing tide of ages !