midnight
`` Bring forward , '' he said , `` our key , yonder it lies , and apply it to this rebellious gate . '' The key he pointed at was a large beam of wood , left on one side of the street , with the usual neglect of order characteristic of a Scottish borough of the period . The shouting men of Ind instantly raised it in their arms , and , supporting it by their united strength , ran against the door with such force , that hasp , hinge , and staple jingled , and gave fair promise of yielding . Eviot did not choose to wait the extremity of this battery : he came forth into the court , and after some momentary questions for form 's sake , caused the porter to undo the gate , as if he had for the first time recognised the midnight visitors . `` False slave of an unfaithful master , '' said the Prince , `` where is our disloyal subject , Sir John Ramorny , who has proved recreant to our summons ? '' `` My lord , '' said Eviot , bowing at once to the real and to the assumed dignity of the leader , `` my master is just now very much indisposed : he has taken an opiate -- and -- your Highness must excuse me if I do my duty to him in saying , he can not be spoken with without danger of his life . '' `` Tush !