midnight
So great is the respect felt for the ` Landesvater ' and the sincerity of those who take part in it , that even in such a multitude of recklessly gay youths , the strictest sobriety is required of all until it is over , and is exacted under penalties of considerable severity . Once over , the mirth and enjoyment proceed in an increasing ratio , though it is to the credit of the German student that his gaiety on these public occasions never degenerates into unbridled licence , and that while he sings , laughs and jests over his fiftieth glass , he maintains the outward forms of habitual courtesy towards his fellows , together with a sort of manly dignity not unworthy of his stern Gothic forefathers . The liquor is bland and almost harmless , and the heads are strong , and backed by iron constitutions . The object is not intoxication but jollity , and there is a deliberation in the manner of attaining the end by spending eight or nine hours over it , which effectually prevents such scenes as occur at festive meetings where the time is limited and men make themselves beastly drunk in the attempt to be merry before midnight . There is no closing hour for the German students ' carousals . The official part of the affair is declared to be at an end at twelve or one o'clock , but all may stay as long as they please , and many are still in their places when the day dawns . Greif and Rex sat side by side at the head of the long table .