midnight
`` My noble friends , '' he shouted , `` I bid you drink with me to Arria , sister of Appius , and fairest daughter of Rome -- '' Vergilius had quickly risen to his feet . `` Son of Herod , '' said he , with dignity , `` I am in your palace and have tasted of your meat , and am therefore sacred . You make your wine bitter when you mingle it with the name of one so pure . Good women were better forgotten at a midnight revel . '' A moment of silence followed . `` My intention was pure as she , '' Antipater answered , craftily . `` Be not so jealous , my noble friend .