midnight
` Tell me , ' said he , ` at once , what thou fearest for me ; deliver me from the torments of suspense , and trust my own fortitude to save me from despair . ' ` Know then , ' said OMAR , ` that thou art hated by ALMORAN , and that he loves ALMEIDA . ' At this declaration , the astonishment of HAMET was equal to his concern ; and he was in doubt whether to believe or disbelieve what he heard : but the moment he recollected the wisdom and integrity of OMAR , his doubts were at an end ; and having recovered from his surprize , he was about to make such enquiries as might gratify the anxious and tumultuous curiosity which was excited in his breast , when OMAR , lifting up his hand , and beginning again to speak , HAMET remained silent . ` Thou knowest , ' said OMAR , ` that when my checks were yet ruddy with youth , and my limbs were braced by vigour , that mine eye was guided to knowledge by the lamp that is kindled at midnight , and much of what is hidden in the innermost recesses of nature , was discovered to me : my prayer ascended in secret to Him , with whom there is wisdom from everlasting to everlasting , and He illuminated my darkness with His light . I know , by such sensations as the world either feels not at all , or feels unnoticed without knowledge of their use , when the powers that are invisible are permitted to mingle in the walks of men ; and well I know , that some being , who is more than mortal , has joined with ALMORAN against thee , since the veil of night was last spread upon the earth . ' HAMET , whose blood was chilled with horror , and whose nerves were no longer obedient to his will , after several ineffectual attempts to speak , looked up at OMAR ; and striking his hand upon his breast , cried out , in an earnest , but faultering voice , ` What shall I do ? ' ` Thou must do , ' said OMAR , ` that which is RIGHT .