1 Twelve o'clock had scarce rung out over London, ere the knocker sounded very gently on the door.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde By Robert Louis StevensonContext Highlight In CHAPTER DR. LANYON'S NARRATIVE 2 The Knight had scarcely finished a hasty meal, ere his menial announced to him that five men, each leading a barbed steed, desired to speak with him.
3 These knights, therefore, their aim being thus eluded, rushed from opposite sides betwixt the object of their attack and the Templar, almost running their horses against each other ere they could stop their career.
4 It was not long ere it reached the circle of the Prince, whose brow darkened as he heard the news.
5 Chant, ere I sleep, my measured hymn.
6 The summer morn had dawned upon them ere they could travel in full assurance that they held the right path.
7 The captives had not long enjoyed their refreshment, however, ere their attention was disturbed even from this most serious occupation by the blast of a horn winded before the gate.
8 Thus exhorted, Cedric sallied forth upon his expedition; and it was not long ere he had occasion to try the force of that spell which his Jester had recommended as omnipotent.
9 And be it so," said Cedric; "and let him tear me with beak and talons, ere my tongue say one word which my heart doth not warrant.
10 The better," said De Bracy; "the rugged slaves will defend themselves to the last drop of their blood, ere they encounter the revenge of the peasants without.
11 But scarce was this done ere the portentous strength of the Black Knight forced his way inward in despite of De Bracy and his followers.
12 But ere Cedric penetrated as far as the old hall in which he had himself been a prisoner, the inventive genius of Wamba had procured liberation for himself and his companion in adversity.
13 Cedric, ere they departed, expressed his peculiar gratitude to the Black Champion, and earnestly entreated him to accompany him to Rotherwood.
14 They had scarce departed, ere a sudden procession moved from under the greenwood branches, swept slowly round the silvan amphitheatre, and took the same direction with Rowena and her followers.
15 Surely we will pause ere we give an office so high to one who shows evidently how little he reverences our blood, by his so readily undertaking this enterprise against Richard.