noon
The Emperor was angry , but did not move a muscle . He was generally quiet , but when he was enraged his intelligence forsook him . He sat there in silence , revolving plans against these barbarians , who had forgotten the wisdom of the ancients . It was now past noon , and the impatience of the audience increased . Then the sky began to be covered with clouds and some flakes of snow fell slowly like white feathers . Those who had mantles drew them over their heads . The actors looked towards the Emperor 's box , but he did not move , although it had no roof .