a few minutes after midnight
If I perceive that misfortunes and perhaps death threaten them , it is clearly of no use my entering into relations with them . In your case , of course , it is with your mistress that I am chiefly concerned ; still as your fortunes are at present so closely mixed up with hers , I may learn something of much utility to me from your horoscope . '' `` I was born on the 8th of December , 1394 , and shall be therefore seventeen in a fortnight 's time . I was born a few minutes after midnight , for I have heard my mother say that the castle bell had sounded but a few minutes before I was born . She said that she had been anxious about it , because an old woman had predicted that if she ever had a child born on the 7th day of the month , it would be in every way unfortunate ; so my mother was greatly pleased that I had escaped the consequences predicted . '' `` And now , '' the Italian went on , having made a note in his tablets , `` what said your lady ? '' `` She bid me say , sir , that she was very sensible of the advantage that it would be to her to receive news or warning from one so well informed as yourself ; and that she on her part promises that she will befriend and protect your daughter should you at any time bring her to her castle in England , or should she come alone with such tokens from you as that she might be known ; and this promise my lady vows on the sacraments to keep . ''