midnight
When he walked down the street all the little ones were as glad though they had met Christ the Lord or Saint Nicholas ; and as they hung on to his long gown with the left hand , with the right they crammed their mouths with the apples or cakes whereof his pockets seemed never to be empty . But Master Adam had his weak side , and there were many to blame him for that he was over fond of good liquor . Albeit he did his drinking after a manner of his own , in no unseemly wise . To wit , on certain year-days he would tarry alone in his tower , and his lamp might be seen gleaming till midnight . There he would sit alone , with his wine jar and cup , and he would drink the first and second and third in silence , to the good speed of Elsa , his late departed wife . After that he began to sing in a low voice , and before each fresh cup as he raised it he cried aloud `` Prosit , Adam ! '' and when it was empty : `` I Heartily thank you , Heyden ! ''