Litchfield enquirer., 1858-07-22
CHESS.

Of all the games that have ever come under my notice, there is none 50 suitable for per sou to amuse him or herself, during leisure houvs as that of Chess. We fear that this pleasant and ingenious game, so much pEactic- ed in former times, is superseded by others, al- though lighter and more lively, yet of no real value games which merely excite the pas sivlis, without exercising the reason and judg- ment There is no game more in vogue, at the present day, than Euchre, falsely called, by some. an intellectual game. Draughts is good game iu some points of view, yet far in fcrior to Chess Back gammon, we think, one of the most foolish games ever invented where success depends on chance. We have often wondered that gentlemen of intelligence could spend time over such game. But Chess is consecrated by the appreciation of the great, the good and the wise. No one can Say aught against Chess, if it is played with reason and moderation. Often has it beguiled the tedious hours when wit was dull, eloquence inspd and poetry uhwclcome. On the magic board the stateman manages the affairs of nations; the warrior directs the course of armies, and pre- sides over all the "heady currents" of the fight the philosopher tracks the intricate niazes of science kaud the morallst learns how to palliate the vicissitudes Of fortune Dy prudence, or retrieve them by care, and thus become an adept in the art of lfe lie, who can play good game of Chess who can fail and not disturb the placidity ofhis temper i; mho can triumph without injuring the feelings of his adversary, has surely gained a mastery over himself of no small value. In this game nothing depends on the fickleness of fortune.
 We think no one was ever vanquished except 1t was his own fault. Banish then, we say, all .others for this the best of games. What a sight to see the Chess-board In the distant corners of the field, behold those lofty castles, ,on whose battlenients the watchful sentinel is guarding against the movements of cunning foe Methinks from the top of that lofty tow er, I hear the cry, "They come" Instantly, the K nights as if astride the ghtning's wings, amounted and with lance in hand, rush forth I to observe the movements of the approaching ,ene.ny. Next the King and Queen the Bish- cps ssand. Eagerly they bind up their sacer- .Adotalrobes, aud breathing forth prayer for their. beloved majesties, they too rush forth.- Next comes the Queen, may she live forever, Q tblessng to her spouse, and an ornament to the assembled hosts The King, already old and full of years, advances but step and stops to rest. Soon man is joined with man in closer combat Knight meets with Knight, and Bish- op with Bishop joins. The Queen, the labor of whose life is love, beholds Bishop fall full of piety, she hastens to his assistance, when lurking Knight springs forth, seizes her, and carries her in triumph to the camp of the ene- my |" And now the combat thickens," Bish- ops throw aside their robes Knights with rowdls in their horses sides all charge home upon,them ;" even the lofty castles are moved from ther deep foundations, and hurled toward the approaching foe. Amid the dire confusion, 8 servant maid of the Queen enters the camp sf the enemy, releases the Queen, and in their wrath they slay the King. Immediately the white flag is raised, the enemy is vanquished, and peace IS restored. It is for this game, thns faintly portrayed, that we say bansh all other games Let the mimic pomp of Kings, Queens, Bishops, Knights and Castles, no more give way to their stupid rivals but let these petty armies of ivory still ornament the table ef youth and age, of wisdom and beauty TnfoIisr,.m-...