noon
Whatsoever his message , it is none of his . He is merely the mouthpiece of him who sent him . '' Then , turning to the herald , he said , `` Tell the false knight , your master , on my part , that he is a foul ruffian , perjured to all the vows of knighthood ; that this act of visiting upon a woman the enmity he bears her son , will bring upon him the execration of all men ; and that the offer which he makes me is as foul and villainous as himself . Nevertheless , knowing his character , and believing that he is capable of keeping his word , tell him that by to-morrow at noon I will be there ; that the lady , my mother , is to leave the castle gates as I enter them ; and that though by his foul device he may encompass my death , yet that the curse of every good man will light upon him , that he will be shunned as the dog he is , and that assuredly heaven will not suffer that deeds so foul should bring with them the prize he seeks to gain . '' The herald bowed , and , escorted by two archers to the edge of the forest , returned to Evesham Castle . After his departure , an animated council took place . Cnut and the outlaws , burning with indignation , were ready to attempt anything .