midday
The al-fresco entertainment was over , the dinner transferred on wooden spits from the caldron to huge wooden platters . Game , collops of venison skilfully roasted on long wooden forks , assisted to eke out the contents of the caldron . Strong ale , or mead , was handed round , of which our brethren partook but sparingly . When the meal was over Grimbeard spoke : `` We generally Test awhile and chew the cud after our midday meal , for our craft keeps us awake a great deal by night ; and perhaps your tramp through the woods has made you tired also . Rest , and after the sun has sunk beneath the branches of yon pine you may deliver the message you spoke about . '' Then the hoary chieftain retired to the shade of his hut , as did some of the others to theirs , but the majority reclined under the spreading beeches , as did our two brethren . They slept through the meridian heat .