noon
Keeping on the western side of the park , the party crossed Cranbourne chase ; but though they encountered several fine herds of deer , the king gave no orders to uncouple the hounds . At last they arrived at that part of the park where Sandpit Gate is now situated , and pursuing a path bordered by noble trees , a fine buck was suddenly unharboured , upon which Henry gave orders to the huntsmen and others to follow him , adding that he himself should proceed to Snow Hill , where they would find him an hour hence . All understood why the king wished to be alone , and for what purpose he was about to repair to the eminence in question , and therefore , without a word , the whole company started off in the chase . Meanwhile , the king rode slowly through the woods , often pausing to listen to the distant sounds of the hunters , and noticing the shadows on the greensward as they grew shorter , and proclaimed the approach of noon . At length he arrived at Snow Hill , and stationed himself beneath the trees on its summit . From this point a magnificent view of the castle , towering over its pomp of woods , now covered with foliage of the most vivid green , was commanded . The morning was bright and beautiful , the sky cloudless , and a gentle rain had fallen over night , which had tempered the air and freshened the leaves and the greensward .