noon
And the village bells went merrily ; every cottage was gay with spring garlands , and each familiar face lit up with looks of kindness ; Hark ! hark ! -- `` Welcome , honest Roger , welcome home again ! '' they shout : and the patereroes on the lawn thunder a salute ; `` welcome , honest neighbour ; '' -- and up went , at bright noon , Tom Stableboy 's dozen of rockets wrapped around with streamers of glazed calico -- `` welcome , welcome ! '' Good Mr. Evans stood at the door of fine old Hurstley , in wig , and band , and cassock , to receive back his wandering sheep that had been lost : and the school-children , ranged upon the steps , thrillingly sang out the beautiful chant , `` I will arise , and go to my Father , and will say unto Him , ` Father , I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee , and am no more worthy to be called thy son ! ' '' Every head was uncovered , and every cheek ran down with tears . Then Sir John , standing up in the barouche at his own hall-door , addressed the assembled multitude : `` Friends , we are gathered here to-day , in the cause of common justice and brotherly kindness .