Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-06-21
A MAGNIFICENT FETE NEAR LISBON

For the entertainment Of readers and in order to give
them idea Of the splendid hospitality of the old counres
Of Europe AID the luxurious magncence Of their banque
we extract from the Lisbon papers, received by the last
rivals, VI eie given by the Count DE Parade
one OF the richest OF the Portuguese nobility at his lovely
villa OF Larangoiras about three miles distance from Lisbon
The seat OF this nobemnn is the splendid private
residence IN Portugal, aud perhaps uuTyaled throughout
the continent OF Eurooe. The palace is n large modern
building gorgeously furnished and dec GRATED by grand
collection Of the finest old and modern masersa very beau
u theatre attached wherein the Count who much i'd
diced TO the amusement of the DRAMA often performs him
self IN private theatrcals, with the intimate OF his as
sOcates. The gardens immensely large and contain
the most exquisite flowers and trees and shrubs from every
quarter Of the globe that be naturazed under the deli
cious skies Of Portugal Statues Of MARBLE Of life size by
the best scupos peep out from every alleged walk or tury
glade; innumerabe fountains hll the air with mild and
enehanung eoohesS while rustic seats Of iron work invite
the vser TO rcPose where his bo charmed by the
song OF birds from the ayiares which through
the grounds or his eye ated by the sight Of large
agene OF wild animals from every region.
To give idea OF the spendor Of the particular eto in
question, which honored by the presence u her Maes
W the Queen Of Portugal in person. and foreign embassa
dor the nobility and gandees Of the kingdom and other
persons Of distinction, both foreigners aud natives
the officers Of oil the squadrOns lying in the TaRus il will
be sufficient TO state that about fifty thousand dollars
for the new temporary decorations aud refreshments of the
evening.
The entertainment commenced with theatrical represen
laons, and was followed by dancing the grand ball room
which was oil one blaze OF light, dused from nnnmeabo
chandeliers, In every stood colossal marble statute
holding in either hand massive golden candelsbrum and
in the centre Of this noble hail, which deoked with
weaths of the ehoises flowers and mirrors which repeated
every object wos Of proportions even more majestics
The orchestra consisted Of wentyou musicians besides
whom there were no less than full bands Of military music
ai the entrance Of the pafk, and besides IN differ
parts of the gardens filling the whole atnosp here with
their grand symphonies. Throughout the walks tables
laid with every sort Of delicate and reeshmens
beneath arcadcs q howery Rarands with hosts Of
in rich lveros sedulous attend the slightest wish Of the
guest who wandered through the Of uces iumna
ted BY thousands Of small lamps Of every hue casting their
reflections the soft green leaves The supper served In
abanquenR hall ing with wreath and cooled by foun-
tain playing IN each corner, Of the choic nothing
wanting that could tempt the oye crafty the palate. The
tables TO which a the guests down In order laid
with for hundred persons, and full Of plate,
oil II pure solid gold and again and again replenishod
/ until al were satisfied.
II s almost 10 add that the dresses Of the Ia
dies rich and tasteful be conceived aud
the spondor II the jewels may be imagined from the fact
that the Countess de FarrobO, alone, diamonds osma
Ted hundred thousand dollars SO well pleased were
the guests and gny tho festivities maintained that
twas o'clock o following morning before the greater
par Of them retired and al confessed 10 be the most bril-
liant feo that Portugal in many years had Witnessed.
CAarissf0n Courier.