nine o'clock
But bells now rust from inactivity . The metal is no longer hammer-hardened and is not vibrant . Formerly these magnificent auxiliaries of the ritual sang without cease . The canonical hours were sounded , Matins and Laudes before daybreak , Prime at dawn , Tierce at nine o'clock , Sexte at noon , Nones at three , and then Vespers and Compline . Now we announce the curate 's mass , ring three angeluses , morning , noon , and evening , occasionally a Salute , and on certain days launch a few peals for prescribed ceremonies . And that 's all . It 's only in the convents where the bells do not sleep , for these , at least , the night offices are kept up . ''