noon
Thus it was that she felt all the more impelled to take up the psalm where she had broken off , and to pour out her gladness in the concluding lines : `` He hears his saints , he knows their cry , And by mysterious ways Redeems the prisoners doomed to die , And fills their tongues with praise . '' Much rejoicing then followed , and the two brothers , whom Manasseh now presented to Blanka , told her all about the preparations made for receiving the bridal party at the Borev Bridge . Then all five sat down and emptied the lunch-basket with which Ciprianu had provided his guests ; for thenceforth they would not need to carry their supplies with them . Toward noon they mounted their horses , David and Simon taking Blanka between them , and the other two bringing up the rear . `` Now tell me all about it , '' began the elder brother , as he rode a little behind with Manasseh . `` You must have had the eloquence of Aaron and the magician 's power of Moses , to prevail on Pharaoh to let your people go . '' `` I have wrought no miracle and used no eloquence , '' was the reply .