midnight
And now , indeed , after a short interval of muttered soliloquy , in which his face worked so that the veins on his temples swelled like cords , he abruptly left the room , and sought the private oratory connected with his closet . Over the emotions there indulged let us draw the veil . Who shall describe those awful and mysterious moments , when man , with all his fiery passions , turbulent thoughts , wild hopes , and despondent fears , demands the solitary audience of his Maker ? It was long after this conference with Nina , and the midnight bell had long tolled , when Rienzi stood alone , upon one of the balconies of the palace , to cool , in the starry air , the fever that yet lingered on his exhausted frame . The night was exceedingly calm , the air clear , but chill , for it was now December . He gazed intently upon those solemn orbs to which our wild credulity has referred the prophecies of our doom . `` Vain science ! ''