midnight
whence it plainly appears , 't was by accident the offenders were brought to punishment , and that you have us 'd this artifice to divert our suspicion . Sure you thought to raise our envy , by ringing in our ears , that they were gentlemen , and men of worth ; but have a care their cause do n't suffer by your impudence ; what shou 'd the injur 'd do when the guilty come to 'em to be punisht ? And if they were my friends , they deserve to be more severely treated ; for he that wrongs a stranger is call 'd a rogue , but he that serves a friend so , is little less than a parricide . '' `` I am sencible , '' said Eumolpus , answering this dreadful harangue , `` that nothing cou 'd happen to these unhappy young men more unfortunate than the cutting their hair off at midnight , which is the only argument that may perswade you to mistake their voluntary coming here , for accidental ; but I shall as candidly endeavour to undeceive you , as it was innocently acted : before they imbarkt they had designs to ease their heads of that , as troublesome as useless weight , but the unexpected wind that hasten 'd us on board , made 'em defer it ; nor did they suspect it to be of any moment where 't was done , being equally ignorant of the ill omen , and customs of mariners . '' `` What advantage , '' reply 'd Lycas , `` cou 'd they propose to themselves by the loss of their hair ? unless they thought baldness might sooner raise our compassion : Or can you believe I wou 'd be satisfy 'd in your relation ? when addressing himself to me , What poyson , said he , thou villain , has eat your hair off ?