midnight
But , oh , the suffering that had earned for this forsaken sister the sweet sleep she slept ! Oh , the ceaseless offering of this sin-stained body , the contumelious jeers she met , the vain search through streets and avenues this wild night , for the blind lust that would give her shelter and food ! Oh , the efforts to beg , the saints who would not wait to listen to such a one , the sinners who were as penniless ! Oh , the shivering fits that walk , walk , walk , when the midnight hours brought silence and solitude , the stamps that racked her poor limbs when she laid down , exhausted , in dripping garments , on the hard park seats , the aching feet that refused at last the ceaseless tramping in their soaked and broken shoes ! Oh , the thoughts of her , the memories , the dreams of what had been and what might be , as she heard the long hours toll themselves away ! Oh , the bitter tears she may have shed , and the bitter words she may have uttered , and the bitter hate that may have overflowed in her against that vague something we call Society ! And , oh , the sweet sleep that fell upon her at last , unexpected -- as the end of our waiting shall come , when we weary most -- falling upon her as the dew falls , closing her weary eye-lids , giving her peace and rest and strength to meet another to-day !