midnight
On her breast she wore the Ephesian symbols of Air and Water , Earth and Life , and Death . Her eyes shot glances like serpents at war , her bosom was upheaved with the strongest emotion , and she moved to the place where the burning lamp stood , seized it , and stood by an altar raised to the goddess of Hades . For a moment only was she motionless ; then she raised high aloft her jewelled hands , brought them to her lips , kissed them to the Queen of Heaven , and stretched them earthwards to the underworld -- to Hecate , the Queen of Hell . Her head lay back ; her eyes shone out with mystic sheen ; her raven tresses trailed the floor ; her gloomy garments lay in graceful folds , dark as the midnight sky without a star or moon , and standing thus , she invoked the goddess Hecate . This done , she lit the altar 's sacred fire , and incense burnt until the room was filled with odour and the light from the golden lamp grew dim . Her lips parted , and a silvery voice issued , murmuring softly : Spirits of the mighty ocean , Ye who lie beneath the waters , Down -- down -- fathoms deep ! Ye who roam ` twixt here and Sidon , Ye who lure the ships to ruin , Ye who haunt the fated vessel , Lighting up her masts and cordage With your quenchless tongues of fire ; Stormy petrels of the sea-foam , Swiftest of your countless legions , Appear !