midnight
Twice Cæsar touched to his lips a cup of spiced wine , but partook of nothing else . Sending his servants from his chamber , he alternately read , and wrote nervously on his tablets , then erased all that he had inscribed , and paced up and down the room . Presently the anxious head-freedman thrust his head into the apartment . `` My lord , it is past midnight . The guests have long departed . There will be serious injury done your health , if you take no food and rest . '' `` My good Antiochus , '' replied the proconsul , `` you are a faithful friend . ''