four o'clock in the morning
To make sure , however , we went through a rehearsal of the whole ritual ; he performing the manoeuvres , I looking on and giving the word . Still I felt uneasy at the idea of his being left entirely to his own discretion on his first _ debut _ in good earnest , and therefore I made a point of attending on this important day ; and in the few instances where the new recruit missed the accurate manoeuvre , a glance or a nod from me easily made him comprehend his failure . One part only there was of the daily ceremonial , where all of us were at a loss , as it was a part which no mortal eyes had ever witnessed but those of Lampe : this was breakfast . However , that we might do all in our power , I myself attended at four o'clock in the morning . The day happened , as I remember , to be the 1st of February , 1802 . Precisely at five , Kant made his appearance ; and nothing could equal his astonishment on finding me in the room . Fresh from the confusion of dreaming , and bewildered alike by the sight of his new servant , by Lampe 's absence , and by my presence , he could with difficulty be made to comprehend the purpose of my visit .