midnight
For a moment all was still ! A thundering burst of applause ensued . The mountain music was succeeded by a sweep of guitars , accompanying a Venetian serenade , whose burthen was the apostrophising the cruelty of `` la cara Nina . '' It was near midnight , when all eyes were directed to a ball of fire , which , rising majestically upward , soared amid the tall elm trees . For a moment , the balloon became entangled in the boughs , revealing by its transparent light the green buds of spring , which variegated and cheered the scathed bark . It broke loose from their embrace -- hovered irresolutely above them -- then swept rapidly before the wind , rising till it became as a speck in the firmament . This was the signal for Mr. Robinson 's fireworks , which did not shame Vauxhall 's reputation .