The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-12-25

ward on his own saddle But recovering himself
he continued his career without stopping, amid thu
deaienng plaudits of the spectators. DE Thicvry
was picked up by his squires and carried scnsces
to his tent.
"By st. George" said the versatile prince, al
once altering his opinion Of the challenger, it l.
no use to wait the three hours for our new brave
here Why he threw De Thievry--lhe best lance
in Eng'and-lrom his saddle as easily us would
throw down this glove--let the victor at once de-
clare himself, for, by my ancestry, it is time to
dine"
The knight in ohedience to n summons from the
prince, rode up to the foot of the princes throne,
and lifting his visor presented countcnance which
none of those present had ever seen.
"Whom have we the honor of greeting as vic
tor in tO-day's tournament" said the prince, with
an nquirng look, at the sun-burnt countenance
before him. elf fair stranger thou art an Eng
shman, we yield thee the prize, Lady Blanche
if not, you know we could not give her to an alien, :"
"Your highncss will know me for an Englishman
perhaps when you hear my name. 1t is the knight
of Ascaon."
At that renowned name--thc most renowned in
Christcndom, next to that of Richard Occur de Ii
on-eyery man started to his feet in wonder; while
thousand voices burst forth into an reclamation
that made the heavens overhead tremble.
"She is thine said the prince, "noble sir, we
have heard of thy prowess-lead on, lead on TO the
queen Of the day."
Blanche had seen the conflict, and had felt mo-
mentury relief at De Thievry's overthrow; but
when the excitement oGlhe instant had passed away,
the reflection that the conQucror might be as hate
full as the conquered, almost again benumbcd her
faculties. As she heard the shouts, and saw the
cayacade approaching, her brain reeled, her eyes
swami and she almost tainted. But struggling to
recover herself, she rose as the victor approached,
His visor was now down. lie knelt before her.
"Unhclm, gallant sir, unhclm, said the prince,
"you have suffered your visor to fall and you, fair
Blanche, look on your future husband"
The maiden with shuddcr dropped her eyes
mechanically upon the knceling knight, who grace
fully removing his helmet looked up into her face,
and sad in n low musical tone, that made every
nerve in Blanchc's frame tremblc with agitation,
4" blanche! iianche!''
"IIenry de Stanleyn' almost shrieked the mai
den, as gazing for Il moment doubtingy yet eager
" upon the face of her lover, she uttered his name
and fell iamling to the floor
1t was indeed he. The report of his death had
arisen from his being captured by the Saracens,
and remaining their prisoner for some months. On
his escape he had received tidings-falsely the
reader knows-that Blanche had married De Thicv-
~, and sick of the world he had assumed another
name, joined detachment of knights where he
was not known, and soon won renOwn which
filled all Europe. The truth at length, however,
reached his ears, and he determined to return and
claim Blanche. lie arrived as the reader has seen
Just in time to save her from becoming the bride Of
De Thievry.
The mortified Frenchman never appeared at III,
English court again. lie tried ofen however, bu
unsucccssiully to destroy Stanley; and the dsgac,
attending his plots, when discovered, eventual,
shut him out from all honorable companonshp.
The joy of Blanche who can deecribe' w,
cannot, nor will we attempt it. She became thu
bride of her first and only love, and long years o
felicity were thereafter her lot