The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-03-01
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A Royal Champiop.

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one bright afternoon thronged the
"venans" or 'tcomers," to run a tilt
with the "tenans" or '.holders." Rid
ing down the field to the sstree Of nobil.
ity," each knight rang his lsnoe upon
the black-and gray shield, thus signify
ing his readiness to joust with the
challengers. One English knight, more
aspiring than the rest.-Sir Richard
birmingham, knight Of. the Kings
chamber, er,-reaching to the top of the
''perron," struck with his lance's tip the
white-and-silver shield of the King of
France. Then ''holders" and "comers"
rode the one general course of lance to
lance, and, this shock orer, they fell
back while the single champions rode
before the barriers.
"For whom fight you, SIR Richard
birmingham, good knight and truep"
demanded Mont st. Michel, the herald
Of France.
"For the honor of God, the glory of
England, and the love of the little lady,
Mistress Annie Boleyn-our rose of
England blooming at the court of
France" and the gallant Sir Richard
bent to his saddle-bow in salute to the
fair young maiden whom he thus cham
pioned.
"And for whom fight you, Francis,
King of Franoe9" demanded the English
herald. garter king-at-arms.
And the king)y knight, not to be
outdone in courtesy to the bright young
girlhood Of England, glanced toward
Queen Katherine's gallery, and made
instant answer:
For the honor of God, the glory of
France, and the love of the sweet little
Mistress Margery Carew-the tenderest
blossom in the train of our sister of
England"
Margery's bea,ning face, which had
been stretched eagerly forward III the
excitement OF seeing and listening,
flushed furiously rs she drew back in
| sudden confusion, while the "OhI Of
surprisbroke from her parted lips.
Then she locked quickly to the lists
| again, as the shouts of the heral.ls:
'St George for England!"
"St. Denis for France!''
rang out and the trumpets sounded the
charge.
With visors closed and lances fully
couched the knights spurred across the
hel :, but, Just as they approached the
shock, Sir Richards horse stumbled
slightly and threw his riders lance out
OF aim. With knightiy courtesy King
Francis broke his own couch, raised his
lance upright, and then, with friendly
salutations. both knights passed each
other without closing. Turning in the
course once more, they galloped across
the lists. and with equal speed aud with
steady aim, ''full tilt they spurred to
the shock. Tang, tangl the Ianoes
struck and splintered fairly. Sir Rich
ards stroke met the guard of King
Franois's silver shield, while the lance
Of the King rang full against Sir Rich
ards pass-guard or shoulder-front.
But, though Sir Richard struck "like
sturdy and skillful cavalier" the shock
OF his antagonist was even more effective.
For, as the record states, 'the French
King on his part ran valiantly." SIR
Richards horse fell back with tho shook,
his rider reeled in the saddle, and, 80
says the chronicle, Birmingham was
nearly unhorsed." The broken lance
shafts were dropped from the hands Of
the knights. and the heralds declared
Francis, King of France, victor in the
tilt.
An hour later, Sir Richard came to
Queen Katherine's gallery, King Fran sis
accompanying him. Then. in accor-
dance with the rules of the tourney, Sir
Richard, rs the knight "who was worst
ed in the combat" with due courtesy
and a deep salute, presented to the
blushing Margory beautiful chain of
gold, large and gittering, as ''the token
to the lady in whose service the victor
lights" and King Francis, smiling,
said:
''And I. too. must claim my guerdon.
The fair Margery shall be our guest at
Arde tonight.