The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-09-18

urges his "White Surry," aims stroke at the
Ring but leaves il untouched. The I'd cham
pion, Mr.. F. rode in gallant style, but missed
the mark. Mr.. A., No. 3, bore off the Ring,
among the cheers of the ladies and the ANNA
ting strains Of music. Nos. A, 5, 6, and T. con
tended nobly for the prize-but fortune smiled
not on them. No dashed of in fine style, but
on nearing the mark, his fiery steed bolted and
caracoled near the benches OF the grave judges,
much TO their dismay and the infinite sport OF
the bystanders. No exhibited perfect horse
manship, but the day was rot for him. No. 10,
MIR. d., who bore off the first honors in every
trial, next pressed towards the mark and took the
ring in most graceful manner The beautiful
animal which gave him such powerful aid on
this occasion, seemed TO feel the inspiration of
the music that proclaimed his master success
iu combatant. Nos. II and IL strove manfully,
but tailed. No. l3 bore of the ring with great
spirit Nos. IA and Is gave bright evidence of
the superior craftsmanship Of the neighboring
State OF Maryland |; but the issue showed that
they had to yield the palm to their more success
iu competitors, the natives of that wild, but
beautiful region, skirting the Blue Ridge, where,
from the habits of the county they almost rea-
lie the tabled story of the Ceniaurs The last
champion, Mr.. H., No. Is, attracted every eye
by the grace with which he pressed on his fine
charger, and the intense interest with which he
aimed his lance and VIGOROUSLY carried the
ring. He bore his lance on his right shoulder
and, IN his impetuous charge, brought TO mind
the wandering Arab ofthe Desert
The first trial over, the Knights in the same
order made a second course, in which Nos 10
and IL second time were successful and No.
A redeemed his first failure by success. Again
the bugle sounded for the third and last feat al
arms. The hearts of the fair spectators beat
high with the excitement Of hope and fear
Inc most casual observer might mark on their
pale blushlng cheeks, the anticipated and now
almost certain defeat or triumph Of those knights
who did battle on their behalf But, again all
eyes are turned TO the fitting lists for the last and
decisive trial. Mr.. F., No. q bore off the ring
beautifully for the first time. The contest then
was narrowed down to Messrs. ID. & G., Nos
10 and 13, who had each won twice, Mr.. d.,
No III, as II conscious Of success, advanced
proudly on his noble charger and again carried
the prize in triumph. In the midst Of an intense
excitement, arising out ofthe close struggle with
Mr. Gu No. Ia this latter knight moved off with
spirit, but in an unlucky moment, his horse
swerved from the track, and the glittering prize
was lett untouched. Mr.. d., No. 10, thus be-
came the successful champion, amidst the
smiles of the ladies' and the shouts of the gen
tlemen. Dr. M, Of Md, No. IA, then exhibited
his fine Workmanship by taking the ring for the
first time. Mr.. H., No. l6, the last knight on the
list, and who had once carried the prize. moved
But the lists were not yet closed-Mr d.. No.
III, was the first champion-but the second no.
nors were to be contended for by Messrs G. and
H., Nos Is and 10, whose success was equal.
Again the trumpets sound for fourth trial, in
which they were both victorious; still another
peal and they both failed still one more nia,
the sixth and last, and Mr. G., No. Is, received
the reward Of his valiant feats The first
knight OF the lists, Mr.. d., No. 10. was then es-
corted in triumph to the Judges stand-the chief
Judge, Col. NJ, after thrilling address, pro-
claims him the victor and presents to him the
wreath with which he is to decorate the brow Of
the Queen OF Love and Beauty" The He
raid then makes the proclamation in these
words -" Fair Ladies and Brave men, in vir-
tue OF mine ancient and honorable office, there
by proclaim Sir A. d. as successful champion
IN this our Feat-at Arms, and call upon him to
lead forth his Ladye fair, that she may receive
the crown of Love and Beauty, which is due
alike TO her peerless charms and the galanry of
her knight Sound the trumpet and let all do
honor to whom honor is most Justly due" Up
on this, Sir A. d. approaches his fair Queen,
Miss V. o. of the Valley of Virginia, and places
the wreath on her blushing temples. Then on
Blended knee he receives the reward his brave
services, and the air resounds with the appauses
of the faithful subjects. Thus ended one of the
most picturesque and exciting scenes have
ever Witnessed Spite Of the burning rays of
an August sun, the old and young were alive
with curiosity, sympathizng with the unfortu-
nate, and cheering on the victorious, knights
heard an old gentleman, a near relative of
brave Vlrginan, whose deeds at Princeton will
immortaize his name, declare with enthusiasm,
that he would gladly have watched the noble
contest until the going down of the sun But
the ceremony is over, and the company dispense,
again to continue their gay sports in the Fancy
Ball in the evening. But here my pen faters
How can ! do justice TO the bright eyes and
fairy forms that fitted across the brilliant Ball
Room? Though poor my Skill | will allude to
some few Of those beautiful creatures, whose
images are dancing over my paper as write =
First, to Misses W. of R-d one of whom
played the Maid of Honor TO her'Maiesly, (her |
Champion being the second best in the lists, y
Fair as she is, she never looked fairer. Then
her lovely sister, arrayed as Sultana, caught |
the eyes Of every lady, and the hearts Of many
a gallant: Then the Scotch Girl, so admirably
represented by the charming Miss S. Of M-g, |
with her spiritueHe companion, Miss G. Of
A-e, as a Flower Girl Then the Swiss and
Misses G. and w. Of M: Then those great
favorites, the Misses b. of ID. c., playing Bren-
da and Minna, with the sylph-like figure Of Miss |
w. of ID. c., as Turkish woman--a couple of
Wandering Minstrels, Miss Il. of In, and |
Mr.. K. Of the United States Navy, with their
guitar and sweet voices, fascinated the Queen
and Court, before whom they performed. But
all eyes were charmed by one figure that silently
moved through the crowded room--Mss c. of
CT, as Fair Penitent. Her pale cheek
and deep blue eyes, "mirrors of the soul, gave
truth TO the character. Methought saw more
pensiveness than was wont, that marble
brow, as If she had some secret deeply craven
on her heart, that threw sweet melancholy
over hel countenance. wished TO have donned
a monks cowl, and, as a Father Confessor, to
have drawn out those pure but agitating thoughts
that were passing through her mind. But no
the hand of Fate was upon me. That office