midnight
` Noble warriors , list to a woman 's voice , ' exclaimed the prophetess , coming forward . `` Tis weak , but with such instruments , even the aspirations of a child , the Lord will commune with his chosen people . There is a secret way by which I can gain the gardens of the palace . To-morrow night , just as the moon is in her midnight bower , behold the accursed pile shall blaze . Let Abidan 's troops be all prepared , and at the moment when the flames first ascend , march to the Seraglio gate as if with aid . The affrighted guard will offer no opposition . While the troops secure the portals , you yourselves , Zalmunna , Abidan , and Jabaster , rush to the royal chamber and do the deed .