four in the morning
This puzzled her still more ; but no living creature appeared from whom she could ask an explanation . And now the shadows lengthened , and darkness fell , yet Britomart would not sleep , but sat in watchfulness , her armour on , and her weapons all about her . When night had quite set in , she was startled by the shrill sound of a trumpet . After the trumpet blast , there arose a hideous storm of wind , with thunder , lightning , and an earthquake , followed by a horrible stench of sulphur and smoke , which lasted from four in the morning until six -- yet Britomart remained steadfast in her watch . Then suddenly arose a whirlwind throwing open the heavy iron door , and from an inner room there entered a grave personage bearing a branch of laurel , and clad as if for the tragic stage . Before Britomart had time to recover from the surprise of this apparition , a band of minstrels , followed by a troop of masquers , issued also from the chamber . Sweet music and strange and gay figures now filled the hitherto empty room .