noon
`` He 'll die without setting eyes on his flower , '' said the good woman who had given him shelter the night he came to the valley . She had not the courage to try the ascent , but she endeavored to stimulate others to go to the top and bring the blossom to cheer his heart . She offered , as reward , choice fruits and linen from her stores ; but all had some excuse , although they loved the old man tenderly : none felt equal to the effort . Towards noon , a pale , fragile girl , from a distant part of the vale , appeared , who had heard of his desire , and stood at the door of his cottage and knocked . `` What dost thou wish ? '' he asked from within . `` To go to the mountain for the flower and place it in thy hand , '' she answered , as she entered his room and meekly stood before him .