noon
muttered Hendon , admiringly ; `` he playeth the part to a marvel . '' Then he stretched himself across the door , on the floor , saying contentedly -- `` I have lodged worse for seven years ; ' twould be but ill gratitude to Him above to find fault with this . '' He dropped asleep as the dawn appeared . Toward noon he rose , uncovered his unconscious ward -- a section at a time -- and took his measure with a string . The King awoke , just as he had completed his work , complained of the cold , and asked what he was doing . ``` Tis done , now , my liege , '' said Hendon ; `` I have a bit of business outside , but will presently return ; sleep thou again -- thou needest it . There -- let me cover thy head also -- thou ' lt be warm the sooner . ''