midnight
`` Ay , truly ; and they will have consideration , '' said the smith , `` for any rash and unhappy blow that a man may deal in a fight , when his party was on defence , and standing up to him ; and that 's the only creed a man can live upon in Scotland , let your daughter think what she pleases . Marry , a man must know his fence , or have a short lease of his life , in any place where blows are going so rife . Five nobles to our altar have cleared me for the best man I ever had misfortune with . '' `` Let us finish our flask , then , '' said the old glover ; `` for I reckon the Dominican tower is tolling midnight . And hark thee , son Henry ; be at the lattice window on our east gable by the very peep of dawn , and make me aware thou art come by whistling the smith 's call gently . I will contrive that Catharine shall look out at the window , and thus thou wilt have all the privileges of being a gallant Valentine through the rest of the year ; which , if thou canst not use to thine own advantage , I shall be led to think that , for all thou be ' st covered with the lion 's hide , nature has left on thee the long ears of the ass . '' `` Amen , father , '' said the armourer , `` a hearty goodnight to you ; and God 's blessing on your roof tree , and those whom it covers .