midnight
The palmer , having exhausted the goblet , returned it , and having first dropped in the cup his nuptial ring , requested the lady to pledge her venerable guest . `` The ring hath caught the lady 's eye , she views it close and near , Then might you hear her shriek aloud , ` The Moringer is here ! ' Then might you see her start from seat , while tears in torrents fell , But if she wept for joy or wo , the ladies best can tell . `` Full loud she utter 'd thanks to Heaven , and every saintly power , That had restored the Moringer before the midnight hour ; And loud she utter 'd vow on vow , that never was there bride , That had like her preserved her troth , or been so sorely tried . '' ` Yes , here I claim the praise , ' she said , ` to constant matrons due , Who keep the troth , that they have plight , so stedfastly and true ; For count the term howe'er you will , so that you count aright , Seven twelvemonths and a day are out when bells toll twelve to-night . ' `` It was Marstetten then rose up , his falchion there he drew , He kneeled before The Moringer , and down his weapon threw ; ` My oath and knightly faith are broke , ' these were the words he said ; ` Then take , my liege , thy vassal 's sword , and take thy vassal 's head . `` The noble Moringer , he smiled , and then aloud did say , ` He gathers wisdom that hath roamed seven twelvemonths and a day , My daughter now hath fifteen years , fame speaks her sweet and fair ; I give her for the bride you lose , and name her for my heir . ''