midnight
So now we will eat of thy venison , and then shall my tale be , since I may no longer delay it ; and thereafter shall our slumber be sweet and safe as I deem . '' She spake merrily now , and as one who feared nothing , and Walter was much heartened by her words and her voice , and he fell to and made a fire , and a woodland oven in the earth , and sithence dighted his fowl , and baked them after the manner of wood-men . And they ate , both of them , in all love , and in good-liking of life , and were much strengthened by their supper . And when they were done , Walter eked his fire , both against the chill of the midnight and dawning , and for a guard against wild beasts , and by that time night was come , and the moon arisen . Then the Maiden drew up to the fire , and turned to Walter and spake . `` Now , friend , by the clear of the moon and this firelight will I tell what I may and can of my tale . Thus it is : If I be wholly of the race of Adam I wot not nor can I tell thee how many years old I may be .