Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-11-02
''When ancient chivalry displayed
The pomp Of her heroic games,
And crested chiefs and tinseled danes
IA ssembled at the clarion call .

Assembled at the ciar1On'S call
Around YOU, as were around them, are col
lected the aged with youth renewed BY the
forced memories Of earlier days; the young
with eager hopes for the, coming time, when
with lance in rest and ON paving steed, they,
too. will struggle in the service Of some queen
ly beauty, whose tender name their tumultrl-
Gus hearts might even now give forth; and fair
ones clothed with q loneliness as bright and
smiles as radiant as ever cheered brave champ
ions Of old to the combat's shock ne
And, alas, the points Of resemblance are not
vet all told Around you are also the desola-
tons Of red-handed war. Fields that were
won't to yield their generous bounties to. the
husbandman's honest tolls are now but sterile
wastes; rooleSs homes whose naked walls
stand Slnnt rnaarrOrs rvsissed rthstOfes,
mark the despoiler's track; and manned brave
ones. stricken in the foremost ranks, of honor,
who mourn the fate that bars them from yon
listed plain. But, as ancient Knights in steel
armor clad, fresh from the arena Of real con-
ilict where Richards penon waved, would some
times lay aside their SCARED weapons to con-
test the prize Of beauty, SO you but Just ROW
from the smoke and fire Of perilous battle, are
come to contest in the bravery of an equal
manhood the rich guerdons of this courteous
jOust. ,s - f-s 5s-,rq rslgs.i
The spirit that animated them could find no
filter representatives than the sons of the Old
Dominion, who for long eventful years follow
ed the pluInes and carried forward the banners
of Chieftains whose honored names an admiring
world will see to it shall never die. 1,
1t only remains fordipe tomarshal you TO the
contest, and TO remind you that whilst it is not
for mortals to commandsucces it IS within the
compass of their power always to deserve it.
The contest began at II o'clock, and contin-
ued in a spirited manner for more than three
hours. F.J.MANNING having been announced
the successful knight, and as such. entitled to
the selection of the QUEEN, indicated as his
choice Miss MARY RUTHERFoRD, and the coro-
nation Immediately ensued, the President adj
dressing her as. follows; wgi,r.
At the bidding of the Knight of the Lone
Star, place ON your fair brow this Coronet
and crown you QUEEN OF BEAUTY AND OF
LOVE. The subjects Of your gentle rule. we
hail the Sovereign his chivalric choice doth give
US. To your gracious win our loyal homage
now is due; and the obedient and affectionate
hearts on which your throne is fixed, unite to
wish you a most happy reign
CHARLES g. JOHNSON, next successful, pro-
posed as LIST Maid of Honor, Miss ANNA A. GAL
IAHER, and the President said basial
BY command Of the Knight of Woodburn. |
am directed to assign you the first position of
Honor near Her Majesty, to share with her the
admiration andsuccess which such fair aid can
not fail to win.
AUSTIN M. Lock. next in order. announced
ashis choice Miss MARY +. RANsox. The Presi-
dent remarked:I 3sil slua5a1s 4
The Knight OF the Willow by his designation
of YOU to post beside our Gracious Queen.
seeks to give practical illustration of :. the d.
vinity that doth hedge throne"
WIN. P, MANSING presented as Sd Maid of
Honor Miss MAMIE McESDREE, Of shepherds
town. The President said:
The quick, appreciative eve and heart Of the
Knight Of the Shenandoah have nominated YOU
to Phaesin the Royal Circle to increase andper-
feet the sweetinfuenees under which Her High
ness snail reign' su r8ss.. "a, e,rF,
The Coronation over, all repaiTed to the town
to prepare for the Ball at the z Carter House.
"Of al that didchanee there, 'txere long tale
b teli
OF the dancers and dresses. and whowasthe belle.
But each Mas 80 happy, aud all were so fair,
That night stole away, and the dawn caught them
there" rr11 ra sd - SIS I
The Managers were fortunate enough TO so
conduct matters as 10 be void Offence. They
were peculiarly favored inEsscuring the services
Of the Incompatible BEEsSrSG-the Prince Of
Caterers, and ofgocd fellows.