the hour of twelve
Many other points were discussed between the father and son , the latter promising if anything of importance occurred , to find the means of communicating it to his friends at the Knoll , while Parrel was to follow his master , at the end of six weeks or two months , with letters from the family . Many of the captain 's old army-friends were now in situations of authority and command , and he sent to them messages of prudence , and admonitions to be moderate in their views , which subsequent events proved were little regarded . To general Gage he even wrote , using the precaution not to sign the letter , though its sentiments were so much in favour of the colonies , that had it been intercepted , it is most probable the Americans would have forwarded the missive to its direction . These matters arranged , the father and son parted for the night , some time after the house-clock had struck the hour of twelve . Though old in cunning , as in years , He is so small , that like a child In face and form , the god appears , And sportive like a boy , and wild ; Lightly he moves from place to place , In none at rest , in none content ; Delighted some new toy to chase -- On childish purpose ever bent . Beware ! to childhood 's spirits gay Is added more than childhood 's power ; And you perchance may rue the hour That saw you join his seeming play .