midnight
he began -- `` Now , Pambasa the Wise , '' went on the Prince as though he had not heard him . `` Listen . This old book gives a charm ` to empty the heart of its weariness , ' that it says is the oldest and most common sickness in the world from which only kittens , some children , and mad people are free . It appears that the cure for this sickness , so says the book , is to stand on the top of the pyramid of Khufu at midnight at that moment when the moon is largest in the whole year , and drink from the cup of dreams , reciting meanwhile a spell written here at length in language which I can not read . '' `` There is no virtue in spells , Prince , if anyone can read them . '' `` And no use , it would seem , if they can be read by none . '' `` Moreover , how can any one climb the pyramid of Khufu , which is covered with polished marble , even in the day let alone at midnight , your Highness , and there drink of the cup of dreams ? ''