twelve o'clock
But , if the good God should bring thy father to thee , an ' thy head to shame an ' sorrow for his sin , forgive him , in the name o ' Christ , forgive him . Ay , boy , thou must forgive all that trespass against thee . '' `` If I ever see him , he shall know I am not ungrateful , '' said the young man . A while past twelve o'clock , those two , lying there in the firelight , thinking , rose like those startled in sleep . A mighty voice came booming over the still water and echoed far and wide . Slowly its words fell and rang in the great , silent temple of the woods : -- '' ` Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels , and have not charity , I am become as sounding brass , or a tinkling cymbal . '' ` And though I have the gift of prophecy , and understand all mysteries , and all knowledge ; and though I have all faith , so that I could remove mountains , and have not charity , I am nothing . ''