midnight
bright , and beautiful , and lofty , as you are , there may come a time when you can conceive that even madness may be a relief . For '' -LRB- and here the wandering light burned brighter in the enthusiast 's glowing eyes -RRB- , `` for , when the night is round us , and there is peace on earth , and the world 's children sleep , it is a wild joy to sit alone and vigilant , and forget that we live and are wretched . The stars speak to us then with a wondrous and stirring voice ; they tell us of the doom of men and the wreck of empires , and prophesy of the far events which they taught to the old Chaldeans . And then the Winds , walking to and fro as they list , bid us go forth with them and hear the songs of the midnight spirits ; for you know , '' she whispered with a smile , putting her hand upon the arm of the appalled and shrinking Constance , who now saw how hopeless was the ministry she had undertaken , `` though this world is given up to two tribes of things that live and have a soul : the one bodily and palpable as we are ; the other more glorious , but invisible to our dull sight -- though I have seen them -- Dread Solemn Shadows , even in their mirth ; the night is their season as the day is ours ; they march in the moonbeams , and are borne upon the wings of the winds . And with them , and by their thoughts , I raise myself from what I am and have been . Ah , lady , wouldst thou take this comfort from me ? '' `` But , '' said Constance , gathering courage from the gentleness which Lucilla 's insanity now wore , and trying to soothe , not contradict her in her present vein , `` but in the country , Lucilla , in some quiet and sheltered nook , you might indulge these visions without the cares and uncertainty that must now perplex you ; without leading this dangerous and roving life , which must at times expose you to insult , to annoyance , and discontent you with , yourself . ''