noon
Neither do I discover the source of thy cachinnation , seeing that the song is amatory and not comic . Still , it may not be supposed , at thy early age , that thou canst be affected with what thou art too young to feel . Pr ` ythee continue , friend Dux , and , boys , restrain thy mirth . '' `` Though the bard to a purer fame may soar When wild youth 's past , Though he win the wise , who frowned before , To smile at last , He 'll never meet a joy so sweet In all his noon of fame , As when first he sung to woman 's ear His soul-felt flame ; And at every close she blush 'd to hear The once-lov 'd name . '' At the commencement of this verse the Dominie appeared to be on his guard ; but gradually moved by the power of song , he dropped his elbow on the table , and his pipe underneath it ; his forehead sank into his broad palm , and he remained motionless . The verse ended , and the Dominie , forgetting all around him , softly ejaculated , without looking up , `` Eheu ! Mary . ''