midnight
Towards the close of the Carnival , when the month of February 1437 had almost waned to a close , while the rain beat upon the windows and the wind whistled wildly around the roof of the old monastery , in grim contrast with the scene of merriment that graced the halls within , the guests were startled by a loud knocking at the outer door . The king , gayest among the gay , was singing `` The King 's Quhair , '' a ballad of his own writing , when the usher interrupted him to announce the old witch of the Firth of Forth . She says `` she must have speech with you , '' said the usher , and that her words `` admit of no delay . '' But James was annoyed by the interruption , and , as it was midnight , ordered her to be sent away , promising to see her on the morrow . Driven forth at the king 's command , the old beldame wrung her hands , and cried , `` Woe ! woe ! To-morrow I shall not see his face ! ''