noon
He that would not be burnt avoideth to tread on hot embers -- wise men spread not the flax before a flickering torch . He , saith the sage , who hath forfeited a treasure , doth not wisely to turn back his head to gaze at it . '' Richard , it may be believed , respected the motives of delicacy which flowed from manners so different from his own , and urged his request no further . `` At noon , '' said the Soldan , as he departed , `` I trust ye will all accept a collation under the black camel-skin tent of a chief of Kurdistan . '' The same invitation was circulated among the Christians , comprehending all those of sufficient importance to be admitted to sit at a feast made for princes . `` Hark ! '' said Richard , `` the timbrels announce that our Queen and her attendants are leaving their gallery -- and see , the turbans sink on the ground , as if struck down by a destroying angel .