Midnight
Not only , therefore , the temple of Cybele , with its gigantic portico , its huge and inelegant statues , and its fantastic hieroglyphics , was thrown down and defaced when the empire was converted to the Christian faith , but the very ground on which it stood was considered as polluted and unhallowed ; and no Emperor having yet occupied the site with a Christian church , the place still remained neglected and deserted as we have described it . The Varangian Hereward was perfectly acquainted with the evil reputation of the place ; and when the negro seemed disposed to advance into the interior of the ruins , he hesitated , and addressed his guide thus : -- `` Hark thee , my black friend , these huge fantastic images , some having dogs ' heads , some cows ' heads , and some no heads at all , are not held reverently in popular estimation . Your own colour , also , my comrade , is greatly too like that of Satan himself , to render you an unsuspicious companion amid ruins , in which the false spirit , it is said , daily walks his rounds . Midnight and Noon are the times , it is rumoured , of his appearance . I will go no farther with you , unless you assign me a fit reason for so doing . '' `` In making so childish a proposal '' said the negro , `` you take from me , in effect , all desire to guide you to my master . I thought I spoke to a man of invincible courage , and of that good sense upon which courage is best founded .