noon
Verily , thou hast chosen well for my refreshment , and the smell of the food is savoury in my nostrils . '' He arose from the bed , on which he had lain down half dressed , and wrapping his cloak around him , sate down by the bedside , and partook heartily of the plain food which was prepared for him . While he was eating , Cromwell commanded Pearson to finish his report -- `` You need not desist for the presence of a worthy soldier , whose spirit is as my spirit . '' `` 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 . ''