midnight
The Templar and Prior were shortly after marshalled to their sleeping apartments by the steward and the cupbearer , each attended by two torchbearers and two servants carrying refreshments , while servants of inferior condition indicated to their retinue and to the other guests their respective places of repose . To buy his favour I extend this friendship : If he will take it , so ; if not , adieu ; And , for my love , I pray you wrong me not . -- Merchant of Venice As the Palmer , lighted by a domestic with a torch , passed through the intricate combination of apartments of this large and irregular mansion , the cupbearer coming behind him whispered in his ear , that if he had no objection to a cup of good mead in his apartment , there were many domestics in that family who would gladly hear the news he had brought from the Holy Land , and particularly that which concerned the Knight of Ivanhoe . Wamba presently appeared to urge the same request , observing that a cup after midnight was worth three after curfew . Without disputing a maxim urged by such grave authority , the Palmer thanked them for their courtesy , but observed that he had included in his religious vow , an obligation never to speak in the kitchen on matters which were prohibited in the hall . `` That vow , '' said Wamba to the cupbearer , `` would scarce suit a serving-man . '' The cupbearer shrugged up his shoulders in displeasure .