noon
But his spirit no longer vacillated ; now that he was really in the beginning of his long contemplated enterprise his natural strength of mind returned . The weakness and irresolution , the hesitation , left him . He became full of his adventure , and thought of nothing else . The south-west breeze , blowing as a man breathes , with alternate rise and fall , now driving him along rapidly till the water bubbled under the prow , now sinking , came over his right shoulder and cooled his cheek , for it was now noon , and the June sun was unchecked by clouds . He could no longer distinguish the shape of the trees on shore ; all the boughs were blended together in one great wood , stretching as far as he could see . On his left there was a chain of islands , some covered with firs , and others only with brushwood , while others again were so low and flat that the waves in stormy weather broke almost over them . As he drew near White Horse , five white terns , or sea-swallows , flew over ; he did not welcome their appearance , as they usually preceded rough gales .