midnight
`` Oh , yes . I believe you are a man , '' said she `` but your machine is so small that if you were to put it in a certain place , I should hardly know that it was there . '' `` It is quite the reverse , '' said the monk , `` and , if I were in that place , I would do so well that you would confess that those who gave me that reputation were liars . '' After these fair speeches , the kind nun , that she might know what he could do , and perhaps not forgetting her own share in the pleasure , told him to come to the window of her cell at midnight ; for which favour he thanked her gratefully . `` But at any rate , '' said she , `` you shall not enter until I really know what sort of lance you carry , and whether you can be of use to me or not . '' `` As you please , '' replied the monk , and with that he quitted his mistress , and went straight to Brother Conrad , one of his companions , who was furnished , God knows how well , and for that reason was much esteemed in the nunnery . To him the young monk related how he had begged a favour of such an one , and how she had refused , doubting whether his foot would fit her shoe , but in the end had consented that he should come to her , but would first feel and know with what sort of lance he would charge against her shield .