midnight
and let me die ! ' ` Alas , my daughter , ' replied the Saint , ` One 's desire is ever to do what one may n't , There was once a time when I loved you , too , I have conquered my passion , and why should n't you ? For penance I say , You must kneel and pray For hours which will number seven ; Fifty times say the rosary , -LRB- Fifty , ` twill be a poser , eh ? -RRB- But by it you 'll enter heaven ; As each hour doth pass , Turn the hour glass , Till the time of midnight 's near ; On the stroke of midnight This taper light , Your conscience will then be clear . ' He left the cell , and he walked until He joined Old Nick on the top of the hill . It was five o'clock , and the setting sun Showed the work of the Devil already begun . St Cuthman was rather fatigued by his walk , And caring but little for brimstone talk , He watched the pick crash through layers of chalk .