noon
Coristine picked up the deserted Wordsworth , and laughed till the smoke of his pipe choked him and the tears came into his eyes . `` I see no cause for levity in the sufferings of a fellow creature , '' said the schoolmaster , curtly . `` Wilks , my darling boy , it 's not you I 'm laughing at ; it 's that old omadhaun of a Wordsworth . Hark to this , now : -- He said , `` Tis now the hour of deepest noon . At this still season of repose and peace , This hour , when all things which are not at rest Are cheerful ; while this multitude of flies Is filling all the air with melody ; Why should a tear be in an old man 's eye ? ' O Wilks , but this beats cock-fighting ; ` Why should a tear be in an old man 's eye ? ' Sorra a bit do I know , barring it 's the multitude of flies .