break of day

“Up by break of day at 5 o'clock, and down by water to Woolwich: in my way saw the yacht lately built by our virtuosoes (my Lord Brunkard and others, with the help of Commissioner Pett also) set out from Greenwich with the little Dutch bezan, to try for mastery; and before they got to Woolwich the Dutch beat them half-a-mile (and I hear this afternoon, that, in coming home, it got above three miles); which all our people are glad of.”

The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Sep/Oct 1662

“At break of day it came whooping across the fields to spoil my pleasant morning revery.”

MOON-FACE

“I am here with Robin, comforted by his nearness and content to remain where I am until the break of day expels me.”

Simon & Schuster: Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer

“Just at break of day we made a sudden descent upon the village and took its occupants completely by surprise, even capturing the chief of the tribe, "Sam," who was dressed in all his war toggery, fully armed and equipped, in anticipation of a fight on the road where his comrades were in position.”

Fictionaut: She Makes Her Mouth Small & Round & Other Stories

“Called up about 4 of the clock and so dressed myself and so on board the Bezan, and there finding all my company asleep I would not wake them, but it beginning to be break of day I did stay upon the decke walking, and then into the Maister's cabbin and there laid and slept a little, and so at last was waked by Captain Cocke's calling of me, and so I turned out, and then to chat and talk and laugh, and mighty merry.”

The Diary of Samuel Pepys, October 1665

“At break of day he took this to his father, humbly apologising for his ill-success in not having caught the Magic Bird herself.”

Folk Tales From Many Lands

“Solitary walks afforded yet purer pleasure, because in them our hearts expanded with greater freedom: one particularly remains in my memory; it was on a St. Louis 'day, whose name Madam de Warrens bore: we set out together early and unattended, after having heard a mass at break of day in a chapel adjoining our house, from a Carmelite, who attended for that purpose.”

The Confessions of J J Rousseau

“And he said: — Know ye that a short while ago, I was sore wakeful one night and thought the morn would never dawn; so, as soon as it was break of day I rose, without stay or delay; and, slinging over my shoulder my sword, mounted horse and set my lance in rest.”

The Book of The Thousand Nights And A Night