midnight
Yet he shall not escape . We hate not the reptile that has stung us , though we might shake it off the wound , and tread upon it . I know the ruffian of old as a stout man at arms , and a pretender , as I have heard , to the favour of the scornful puppet whose beauties , forsooth , spurred us to our wise and hopeful attempt . Fiends that direct this nether world , by what malice have ye decided that the hand which has couched a lance against the bosom of a prince should be struck off like a sapling by the blow of a churl , and during the turmoil of a midnight riot ? Well , mediciner , thus far our courses hold together , and I bid thee well believe that I will crush for thee this reptile mechanic . But do not thou think to escape me when that part of my revenge is done which will be most easily and speedily accomplished . '' `` Not , it may be , altogether so easily accomplished , '' said the apothecary ; `` for if your knighthood will credit me , there will be found small ease or security in dealing with him .