midnight
And by repetition this ran on into what may be termed the chorus of a love song -- the very first of the kind his soul had ever sung . Such was Mahommed 's state when Mirza received the turquoise ring , and , announcing the Prince of India , asked for orders . Was it strange he changed his mind ? Indeed he was at the moment determining to see again the woman who had risen upon him like a moon above a lake ; so , directly he had despatched the Emir to the Prince of India with the appointment for midnight , he sent for an Arab Sheik of his suite , arrayed himself in the latter 's best habit , and stained his hands , neck , and face-turned himself , in brief , into the story-teller whom we have seen admitted to amuse the Princess Irene . At midnight , sharply as the hour could be determined by the uncertain appliances resorted to by the inmates of the Castle , Mirza appeared at his master 's door with the mystical Indian , and , passing the sentinel there , knocked like one knowing himself impatiently awaited . A voice bade them enter . The young Turk , upon their entrance , arose from a couch of many cushions prepared for him under a canopy in the centre of the room .