<span>In William Shakespeare's MacBeth, the opening of Act 2 takes place just after midnight. Here is the text:
FLEANCE
The moon is down. I have not heard the clock.
FLEANCE
The moon has set. The clock hasn't struck yet.
BANQUO
And she goes down at twelve.
BANQUO
The moon sets at twelve, right?
FLEANCE
'tis later, sir.
Fleance notes that the the clock is later than 12. Also, this scene has them carrying torches which means it is dark. Therefore, it is past 12 am.</span>
I think it’s a because you if they say their name, you shouldn’t try to figure out how to spell it bc they think you weren’t listening to them and you need them to repeat it or something.