midnight
Deadly fear can outstrip time ; toil quenches the fire of youth ; and despair traces wrinkles deeper than old age . `` Happy whom none of these befall ; But this poor Palmer knew them all . '' Lord Marmion made known his request , and the Palmer took upon himself the task of guide , on condition that they set out without delay , saying : '' ` But I have solemn vows to pay And may not linger by the way ; Saint Mary grant that cave or spring May back to peace my bosom bring , Or bid it throb no more ! ' '' Then the page , on bended knee , presented to each guest in turn the massive silver bowl of wassail , `` the midnight draught of sleep , '' rich with wine and spices . Lord Marmion drank , `` Sound sleep to all '' ; the earl pledged his noble guest ; all drained it merrily except the Palmer . He alone refused , although Selby urged him most courteously . The feast was over , the sound of minstrel hushed .