four o'clock
And Lord , 't was a pleasure to see these poor folks ' joy -- how they spread their hands out to the flames ; how they cockered up the fire here and there to brown their ox equally , with all hands now and then to turn him on the spit ; how they would set their bread to catch the dropping gravy ; and how they would lift their noses to catch the savoury whiffs that came from the roasting beef . This is all very well , thinks I , but how about our geese and turkeys ? will our tenants come , or shall we find that Simon hath spoilt their appetite , and so be left with nought but starved beggars for our company ? However , before four o'clock an end was put to these doubts , for some in waggons , others on horse , with their wives or sweethearts on pillions behind , clasping their men tight , and the rest afoot , all came that were asked by me , and more , and pretty jolly already with ale on the road , and a great store of mistletoe amongst them for their further merriment . And what pleased me as much as anything was to find all mighty civil to Moll -- nearly all offering her a Christmas box of fresh eggs , honey , and such homely produce , which she received with the most pretty , winning grace , that went home to every heart , so that the hardest faces were softened with a glow of contentment and admiration . Then down we sat to table , Moll at one end and her husband beside her ; Don Sanchez and I at t ` other ; and all the rest packed as close as sprats in a barrel ; but every lad squeezing closer to his lass to make room for his neighbour , we found room for all and not a sour look anywhere . Dear heart !