midnight
`` I could make one full of words , if not of thought ; but come , the night is passing , we shall scarce have an hour 's rest before sunrise . '' `` Indeed , I think we are in a fair way to see its early brightness . '' To their dreams and life we will leave them awhile , knowing that to such hearts will ever come peace , whether sleeping or waking . Past midnight , that silent hour when the earth is peopled with other forms . It is the hour for the brain to receive the most subtle influences , whether sleeping or waking . Some kinds of sleep bring us brighter states than day gives us . They are awakenings , in which the understanding , instead of being dethroned , acquires a power and vivacity beyond what it possesses when the external form is awake and active .