the hour of twelve
`` I was mad to see you all last night and all this morning : for yesterday afternoon I brought my long business to a head ; the ship has come home ; one more dead lift , and I shall cease to fetch and carry for the Princess Ratafia . Yes , 't is done . I have the order all in Ratafia 's hand ; I carry it on my heart . At the hour of twelve to-night , Prince Featherhead is to be taken in his bed , and , like the bambino , whipped into a chariot ; and by next morning he will command a most romantic prospect from the donjon of the Felsenburg . Farewell , Featherhead ! The war goes on , the girl is in my hand ; I have long been indispensable , but now I shall be sole . I have long , '' he added exultingly , `` long carried this intrigue upon my shoulders , like Samson with the gates of Gaza ; now I discharge that burthen . ''