noon
`` Nay , but , '' interrupted Robins , `` you are to know that Gilbert Pearson hath not fully executed thy commands , touching a part of those malignants , all of whom should have died at noon . '' `` What execution -- what malignants ? '' said Cromwell , laying down his knife and fork . `` Those in the prison here at Woodstock , '' answered Zerubbabel , `` whom your Excellency commanded should be executed at noon , as taken in the fact of rebellion against the Commonwealth . '' `` Wretch ! '' said Cromwell , starting up and addressing Pearson , `` thou hast not touched Mark Everard , in whom there was no guilt , for he was deceived by him who passed between us -- neither hast thou put forth thy hand on the pragmatic Presbyterian minister , to have all those of their classes cry sacrilege , and alienate them from us for ever ? '' `` If your Excellency wish them to live , they live -- their life and death are in the power of a word , '' said Pearson .