midnight
When he was again at home , one visitor after another was announced , who came there from the festival in the palaestra , and , in spite of his great reluctance to receive them , he denied no one admittance , but listened even to the ill-disposed and spiteful . In the battle which he had commenced he must not shrink from wounds , and he was struck by many a poisoned shaft . But , to make amends , a clear understanding was effected between him and those whom he esteemed . The last caller left him just before midnight . Hermon now made many preparations for departure . He intended to go into the desert with very little luggage , as the oracle seemed to direct . How long a time his absence would extend could not be estimated , and the many poor people whom he had fed and supported must not suffer through his departure .