noon
Benedetto could hardly distinguish the black shadow of the Francolano opposite , or the livid , rocky slope at his feet . He started down , but stopped after a few steps . His legs would not support him , a rush of blood set his face aflame . He had scarcely broken his fast for thirty hours , having eaten only a crust of bread at noon . He felt millions of pins pricking him , felt the violent beating of his heart , felt his mind becoming clouded . What was that tangle of serpents winding themselves about his feet , in the disguise of innocent grasses ? And what sinister demon was that , waiting for him down there , crouching on all fours on a rock , disguised as a bush and ready to jump upon him ?