eleven o'clock
It is a very fine thing to be pointed out by envying fathers as a promising clerk in the Weights and Measures , and to receive civil speeches from mammas with marriageable daughters . But a clerk in the Weights and Measures is soon made to understand that it is not for him to -- Sport with Amaryllis in the shade . It behoves him that his life should be grave and his pursuits laborious , if he intends to live up to the tone of those around him . And as , sitting there at his early desk , his eyes already dim with figures , he sees a jaunty dandy saunter round the opposite corner to the Council Office at eleven o'clock , he can not but yearn after the pleasures of idleness . Were it not better done , as others use ? he says or sighs . But then comes Phoebus in the guise of the chief clerk , and touches his trembling ears -- As he pronounces lastly on each deed , Of so much fame , in Downing Street -- expect the meed .