midnight
The eternal servitude of Greece , and the shameful triumph of the Crescent , were involved , perhaps , in that single event . And could the possession of Iduna compensate for such disgrace and infamy ? Let us not record the wild response of passion . It was midnight ere the restless Nicæus , more exhausted by his agitating reverie than by his previous exertions , returned into the cavern , and found refuge in sleep from all his disquietudes . The Eremite rose with the Sun ; and while he was yet at matins , was joined by Iduna , refreshed and cheerful after her unusual slumbers . After performing their devotions , her venerable host proposed that they should go forth and enjoy the morning air . So , descending the precipitous bank of the river , he led the way to a small glen , the bed of a tributary rivulet , now nearly exhausted .