Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-09-08
Letter from GAINESVILLE.
Tournament There, etc.

tournament LHeTej etc.
Sept. 9, '76.
Mr.. Editor The glory of long departed
days was revived in our town on Saturday
las: We had a tournament, something a
good deal similar, but at the same time a
good deal different to the tourney held in ''ye
ancient time" among those who rocked the
cradle of chvalry. Our gallant knights had
no horses, but what of that Did not the
seal of the Knight Templnr of old times al
ways bear the picture Of three knights on one
horse, and MOI very good horse either ?
Wen, II three knights could get along with
one horse in those dark days, surely Il half
dozen knights ought TO get along with
out any horse at ALL Besides, what right
have horses or mules to participate in ration
al amusements? Just as well have a spelling-
match on horseback Long after the hour
appointed for the warlike sport to commence,
Que after another the knights so brave and
ladies FAR could be seen struggling in singly
or doubly, making their way to the tiliing
ground. Here the lists were made up. and
the knights, standing in warike array en-
couraged by wonran's smile and cheered bv
the gentle music of maidensh laughter tone
said the girls gigsled all the iime) were ad
dressed by one Of their number 1.-THE Knight
Of Too Modest by Half" His name suggests
why he is not more specifically alluded to.
The address, however, abounded in eloouen,
reference TO the noble deeds of knioht-bood
from the affair Of Cain and Aheldom, through
David and Goliah, Don Quixote, Count
Joannes and many other illustrious heroes,
even to him who struck 10 Billy Patterson
These illustrlous examples the orator held
up to the imitation of his brothers now ready
for tie fray, and he warned them that if there
were any there afraid or tremulous, t'to cit
eight square out, and not impair the reputa-
lion OF all. He did not attempt to conceal
the mighty danger which each brave and
generous heart was now ready to risk He
told them 20 march swiftly and steadily on
the treacherous ring and cas-. it from its place.
lie said that now WAS the time when every
patriot, every honest man-every base man
should array himself against rings--wheher
they be whiskey rings, Indian rings, ring
worm o. any other sort OF ring (unless il be
plain gold one, or one with Il diamond set
in it) that to fear not the rings arrayed
against them then aud there. How peaceful
and quiet those rings looked as they placidly
hung in place-tfust not their quietness-
beware OF their rlacidity-he shuddered to
think how many of. his brethren now, stand
ing near him ardent and brave, would Ct,
the setting Of the sun be victims of the treach-
cry of those rings "But," said he in con.
clusion, ''go forward with brave hearts.
finch not in the moment Of action, the ewes
of beauty and other eyes are upon you-lhe
deeds of this day will be spoken Of when
Waterloo will be forgotten''-''b not much
before, interpolaed wicked boy, who was
Immediately cast out in utter disgrace ''To
your duty, then, go where valor calls you-
TO the victors beautys smies-to the shin,
a nations tears, thrice sailed tears, ave, briny
tears-fish-briny tears" Great cheers, min
gled with sobs greeted the close of the add ess
and the lifting at once commenced | will
not trouble you with all the details of the tilt
ing, or vent my knowledge of heral6ic terms,
but simply give the result of the sport. The
knight OF Oh So Bashful" won, but did not
claim the honor of GROWING the Queen The
"Knight of Last Night" chose the First Maid
of Honor. Knight of Wobble Legs" the
second, and knight Of the Sore Toe, &" the
third. The unsuccessful ones enjoyed their
defeat very well, and made no envous com
ment on their successful comrades The
Knights of Torn Brooches" Muddy Nose,
"SX-Footer' and "Christmas" did excellent
fitting, but not good enough. The day, as is
usual on such occasions, ended with tripping
the light fantastic. Yours knightly,