midnight
`` Kneel , brother , '' said the Abbot , `` kneel instantly , and thank her Grace 's kindness . '' `` Good brother , that wert once a few steps under me , and art still many years younger , '' replied the gardener , pettishly , `` let me do mine acknowledgments in my own way . Queens have knelt to me ere now , and in truth my knees are too old and stiff to bend even to this lovely-faced lady . May it please your Grace , if your Grace 's servants have occupied my house , so that I could not call it mine own -- if they have trodden down my flowers in the zeal of their midnight comings and goings , and destroyed the hope of the fruit season , by bringing their war-horses into my garden , I do but crave of your Grace in requital , that you will choose your residence as far from me as possible . I am an old man who would willingly creep to my grave as easily as I can , in peace , good-will , and quiet labour . '' `` I promise you fairly , good man , '' said the Queen , `` I will not make yonder castle my residence again , if I can help it . But let me press on you this money -- it will make some amends for the havoc we have made in your little garden and orchard . ''