one o’clock
And he led a very retired life , exempt from all luxury , like one who is frugal and poor . At eight in the morning he drank a cup of cold milk for his breakfast . Then , when there were sittings of the Congregations to which he belonged , he attended them ; otherwise he remained at home and gave audience . Dinner was served at one o'clock , and afterwards came the siesta , lasting until five in summer and until four at other seasons -- a sacred moment when a servant would not have dared even to knock at the door . On awaking , if it were fine , his Eminence drove out towards the ancient Appian Way , returning at sunset when the _ Ave Maria _ began to ring . And finally , after again giving audience between seven and nine , he supped and retired into his room , where he worked all alone or went to bed . The cardinals wait upon the Pope on fixed days , two or three times each month , for purposes connected with their functions .