twelve minutes past midnight
And now , my dear Meding , give me the answer , that I may sign it . '' Meding took a pen from the queen 's writing-table , gave it to the king and placed his hand upon the white margin of the paper . In firm bold characters the king wrote his initials , `` G. R. '' `` Add to it , '' he said , `` the exact hour , that we may know hereafter when I completed this decisive and important document . '' Meding looked at his watch ; it was twelve minutes past midnight . He added the exact date below the king 's signature . `` I must now beg your majesty 's permission to go , '' he said , `` for time presses . '' He turned to the queen .