midnight
From between the merlons stones and arrows leaped as an impetuous answer . The defense of the city had begun ! Hannibal lay tossing between the bright-hued coverings of his couch , unable to conciliate sleep . The cocks had announced midnight , breaking the silence of the camp with their shrill voices , and the chieftain was yet awake , closing his eyes though unable to sleep . His rest was disturbed by the singing of a nightingale perched in a great tree from the branches of which hung his tent . An earthenware lamp illuminated the mass of objects strewn carelessly around his bed . On the floor glistened cuirasses , greaves , and helmets , over which were thrown rich fabrics stolen from the Saguntine villas .