Midnight
Mowbray , somewhat addicted to the service of Bacchus , did not find himself freed , by the secession of so large a proportion of the company , from the service of the jolly god , although , upon the present occasion , he could well have dispensed with his orgies . Neither the song , nor the pun , nor the jest , had any power to kindle his heavy spirit , mortified as he was by the event of his party being so different from the brilliant consummation which he had anticipated . The guests , stanch boon companions , suffered not , however , their party to flag for want of the landlord 's participation , but continued to drink bottle after bottle , with as little regard for Mr. Mowbray 's grave looks , as if they had been carousing at the Mowbray Arms , instead of the Mowbray mansion-house . Midnight at length released him , when , with an unsteady step , he sought his own apartment ; cursing himself and his companions , consigning his own person with all dispatch to his bed , and bequeathing those of the company to as many mosses and quagmires , as could be found betwixt Shaws-Castle and St. Ronan 's Well . Oh ! you would be a vestal maid , I warrant , The bride of Heaven -- Come -- we may shake your purpose ; For here I bring in hand a jolly suitor Hath ta'en degrees in the seven sciences That ladies love best -- He is young and noble , Handsome and valiant , gay , and rich , and liberal . _ The Nun .