late noon
For Gertrude began to waken , though doubtingly and at intervals , to a sense of the short span that was granted to her life ; and over the loveliness around her there floated that sad and ineffable interest which springs from the presentiment of our own death . They passed the rich island of Oberwerth , and Hochheim , famous for its ruby grape , and saw , from his mountain bed , the Lahn bear his tribute of fruits and corn into the treasury of the Rhine . Proudly rose the tower of Niederlahnstein , and deeply lay its shadow along the stream . It was late noon ; the cattle had sought the shade from the slanting sun , and , far beyond , the holy castle of Marksburg raised its battlements above mountains covered with the vine . On the water two boats had been drawn alongside each other ; and from one , now moving to the land , the splash of oars broke the general stillness of the tide . Fast by an old tower the fishermen were busied in their craft , but the sound of their voices did not reach the ear . It was life , but a silent life , suited to the tranquillity of noon .