noon
Shrieking , terrified crowds rushed by him , pursued by the angels of vengeance and destruction , mighty forms with stern , beautiful faces , wearing silver coats of mail , riding black horses and swinging scourges , woven of white lightning . The little wagtails built and shaped busily all day , and the work progressed rapidly . On the tufted heath with its stiff sedges and by the river with its reeds and rushes , there was no lack of building material . They had no time for noon siesta nor for evening rest . Glowing with eagerness and delight , they flew to and fro , and before night came they had almost reached the roof . But before night came , the hermit had begun to watch them more and more . He followed them on their journeys ; he scolded them when they built foolishly ; he was furious when the wind disturbed their work ; and least of all could he endure that they should take any rest .