about
midnight
So the king started . It was late before the merrymakers on board the `` White Ship '' set their faces seaward . The prince himself had honoured the feast , and bidden every man to fill his cup and drink deep and long . So when about midnight they addressed themselves to the voyage , the rowers splashed wildly with their oars , and the crew pulled at the ropes with unsteady hands . Far across the calm waters might have been heard the song and the laughter of the two hundred voyagers . In a few hours , thought they , we shall be across , and then will we renew our feast in England . `` Fitz-Stephen ! ''