midnight
So crying , of a sudden Beltane caught Black Roger 's sun-burned hand and kissed it , and thereafter turned him to the shadows . And , lying thus , Beltane wept , very bitterly yet very silent , until , like a grieving child he had wept himself to forgetfulness and sleep . So slept he , clasped within Roger 's mailed arm . But full oft Black Roger lifted his bronzed right hand -- the hand that had felt Beltane 's sudden kiss -- and needs must he view it with eyes of wonder , as if it had been indeed some holy thing , what time he kept his midnight vigil beside the fire . `` Holy Saint Cuthbert , art a very sweet and potent saint , and therefore hast good eyes -- which is well ; so canst thou see him for thyself , how weak he is and languid , that was a mighty man and lusty . Cherish him , I pray thee ! A goodly youth thou dost know him , thou didst see him burn a gibbet , moreover I have told thee -- and eke a knight of high degree .