midnight
The Temple historian makes no mention of such a scheme . There is Pump Court and Fountain Court , with their hydraulic apparatus , but one never heard of a bencher disporting in the fountain ; and ca n't but think how many a counsel learned in the law of old days might have benefited by the pump . Nevertheless , those venerable Inns which have the Lamb and Flag and the Winged Horse for their ensigns , have attractions for persons who inhabit them , and a share of rough comforts and freedom , which men always remember with pleasure . I do n't know whether the student of law permits himself the refreshment of enthusiasm , or indulges in poetical reminiscences as he passes by historical chambers , and says , `` Yonder Eldon lived -- upon this site Coke mused upon Lyttleton -- here Chitty toiled -- here Barnwell and Alderson joined in their famous labors -- here Byles composed his great work upon bills , and Smith compiled his immortal leading cases -- here Gustavus still toils , with Solomon to aid him ; '' but the man of letters ca n't but love the place which has been inhabited by so many of his brethren , or peopled by their creations as real to us at this day as the authors whose children they were -- and Sir Roger de Coverley walking in the Temple Garden , and discoursing with Mr. Spectator about the beauties in hoops and patches who are sauntering over the grass , is just as lively a figure to me as old Samuel Johnson rolling through the fog with the Scotch gentleman at his heels on their way to Dr. Goldsmith 's chambers in Brick Court ; or Harry Fielding , with inked ruffles and a wet towel round his head , dashing off articles at midnight for the Covent Garden Journal , while the printer 's boy is asleep in the passage . If we could but get the history of a single day as it passed in any one of those four-storied houses in the dingy court where our friends Pen and Warrington dwelt , some Temple Asmodeus might furnish us with a queer volume . There may be a great parliamentary counsel on the ground-floor , who drives off to Belgravia at dinner time , when his clerk , too , becomes a gentleman , and goes away to entertain his friends , and to take his pleasure . But a short time since he was hungry and briefless in some garret of the Inn ; lived by stealthy literature ; hoped , and waited , and sickened , and no clients came ; exhausted his own means and his friends ' kindness ; had to remonstrate humbly with duns , and to implore the patience of poor creditors .