eight o'clock
in the morning
Not that Dalaber thought of this himself , but the elder men did ; and though they would not have sought to win favour by such an act themselves , they were not sorry for a young confederate to take advantage of the possibility of notice from those in authority . It was wonderful how Argus-eyed and how long of arm were the emissaries of the orthodox party in the church in those times . It seemed to Anthony himself as though all London were astir , and moving towards old St. Paul 's , as he threaded the narrow streets towards the stately edifice . Although it wanted half an hour or more to the time when the ceremony should commence -- eight o'clock in the morning the open place around the cathedral was packed when Dalaber reached it , and only by the good nature of a citizen , who took him into his house and let him view the scene from a window , was he able to see what passed . A high platform was erected by the great western doors of `` Paul 's Walk '' -LRB- some authorities say just within , and some just without the building -RRB- , where the cardinal 's throne , draped with purple , had been set , as well as seats for a great concourse of ecclesiastics beside . Opposite this platform was another and far humbler erection , evidently for the penitents ; whilst over the north door , the Rood of the Northern , as it was called , a great gilt crucifix had been set up ; and within the rails surrounding it burnt a fire , round which fagots were set , and great baskets containing the forbidden books , which were presently to be solemnly burnt . As the great clock boomed out the hour of eight , two processions simultaneously approached the platform .