midnight
-- Come , gentles , let not the cup stand -- here 's to long spurs , short boots , full bonnets , and empty skulls ! '' `` Nay , now , you are jealous of me , Mike , '' said Goldthred ; `` and yet my luck was but what might have happened to thee , or any man . '' `` Marry confound thine impudence , '' retorted Lambourne ; `` thou wouldst not compare thy pudding face , and sarsenet manners , to a gentleman , and a soldier ? '' `` Nay , my good sir , '' said Tressilian , `` let me beseech you will not interrupt the gallant citizen ; methinks he tells his tale so well , I could hearken to him till midnight . '' `` It 's more of your favour than of my desert , '' answered Master Goldthred ; `` but since I give you pleasure , worthy Master Tressilian , I shall proceed , maugre all the gibes and quips of this valiant soldier , who , peradventure , hath had more cuffs than crowns in the Low Countries . And so , sir , as I passed under the great painted window , leaving my rein loose on my ambling palfrey 's neck , partly for mine ease , and partly that I might have the more leisure to peer about , I hears me the lattice open ; and never credit me , sir , if there did not stand there the person of as fair a woman as ever crossed mine eyes ; and I think I have looked on as many pretty wenches , and with as much judgment , as other folks . '' `` May I ask her appearance , sir ? ''