noon
So they stood in the way and hailed him when the sheep were gone past ; and the man with the spear asked him whither away . `` I am turned toward Higham-on-the-Way , '' quoth he ; `` and how many miles shall I ride ere I get there ? '' Said one of them : `` Little less than twenty , lord . '' Now it was past noon two hours , and the day was hot ; so whereas the faces of the men looked kind and friendly , albeit somewhat rugged , he lighted down from his horse and sat down by the way-side , and drew his bottle of good wine from out of his wallet , and asked the men if they were in haste . `` Nay , master , '' said he of the pole-axe , while all eyes turned to the bottle , `` HE has gone by too long ; and will neither meddle with us , nor may we deal with him . '' `` Well then , '' quoth Ralph , `` there is time for bever . Have ye ought of a cup , that we may drink to each other ? ''