six
o'clock
Alas , if this long and weary feast were only at an end ! If she could but retire to her chamber and read this poem , the riddle would then be solved , and she would know the name of his lady-love . It seemed , however , that the prince had divined his wife 's wish , and had determined that it should not be gratified . They had taken their seats at table at a very late hour to-day , at six o'clock . It had now become dark , and candelabras with wax candles were brought in and placed on the table . `` The lights are burning , '' exclaimed the prince ; `` we will not leave the table until these lights are burned out , and our heads have become illuminated with champagne . '' -LSB- 6 -RSB- -LSB- 6 -RSB- Bielfeld , vol i. , page 84 .