The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-06-04
A Tournament in the 10th Century
BY MADAME GABRIELLE D'ARyoR.
Translated for the VrRGINIAN.I
CHAPTER II.


! Translated for the VIRGINIAN.
CHAPTERII
The contest at arms was to open at
O'Clock The place chosen for that dis
play was uncommonly picturesque. About
kilometer from the city a large meadow
bordered on one side by forest of oak
trees, on the other by extensive woodland
had been enclosed with palisades on the
north and the south All opening was left
which was closed by wooden gates sufii-
GENTLY wide to permit two borsemen to
pass abreast. At each of these gates were
stationed two heralds attended by six
trumpeters. an equal number of pursui-
wants and detachment Of soldiers to
maintain order.
Three magnificent pavilions had been
placed upon the platform raised behind
the south gate. Armorial escntcheons
presented the colors of the challenger
knights who were ready tocontend against
all corners. In front Of each pavilion
hung the shield of the knight whe occu-
pied it; at its side was stationed his
esquire.
At the entrance OF the north gate, am
ply spacious ground had been prepared to
receive the knights who might enter the
lists as assaiants. In the rear were
stretched tents, some intended for re-
froc bn,apfc IF OH coptc totborc FOR tho for-
riers and artisans whose assistance might
be needed. All around the arena arose
galleries, adorned with draperies, escutch-
cons and flowers in the centre was a
stand reserved for the chief local authori-
thorities in front a throne had been mag
efficiently decorated with garlands, little
flags with blazing hearts, arrows, bows,
quivers and all the symbols assigned to the
tickle son of Venus an inscription in let
tiers of gold read, ITO the queen Of
beauty
Two O'Clock sounded from the ancient
belfry lively music announced the be-
ginning of the fete; the trumpets re-
sounded and the marshals of the tourna-
ment, who rode along the lists to attend to
the order Of the ceremony, gave the sig
nal to the heralds at arms to allow the
people to ascend the stands.
Everybody was admitted who conformed
to the prescribed condition of wearing a
costume Of the time; plain people and
rich, common folk and gentleman mingled
together with great good temper. The
galleries presented, especially on the ladies
side, charming sight. The young bellies
of the neighborhood, come together to
canvass for the crown SO much coveted,
had known how to adapt their antiqne
attire to modern tastes, and nothing could
have appeared more beautiful.
s.The victor will only be embarrassed to
make a choice,n said a witty parsonage
whose acquaintance we have already made,
and whose white feather and bells were
moving in all directions. The person ad-
dressed wore the costume of pilgrim re-
turning from st. James of Compostella,
and was no other than the stranger
'sTell me, now, sir pilgrim, have you,
who have iourneyedyt ITO distant lands, seen
many beauties more worthy of being
crowned? By st. James, my patron, if I
had to lay my sceptre at the feet of a
beauty, my choice would be soon made. y
''Indeed and whom would you name
queen of folly ~ ''i
"There is no lack of silly heads under
those those pretty curls, be they brown or
fair ones ~
You are abusing your privileges, Sir
Knight of thefool's cap more than one
doughty champion would crop lance to
avenge such insult to beauty"
II am ready to fight with courteous
arms, ? said the fool, brandishing his gilt
sword.
Whom does Triboulet want to attack -
cried two bystanders.
'Silence, y said the herald-at-arms.
Sir pilgrim, resumed the fool, lower
ing his voice, would you like to know
the bellies who lay claim to the crown ~
''Assuredly, l would ''''
The thing will be easy they say that
the occasion has collected superb bou-
quet Of the most beautiful flowers Of this
region. Notice the stand in front of us
certain, it is, that from among those love-
ly lassies the victor will make his choice.
| wager my cap that / know who will be
queen "i
who, now 20 asked the stranger.
1.-The one you are gazing at, sir, y an
swered Triboulet, smiling. Il know more
than one knight who is going to combat in
her honor. She is the belle of bellies. If
the crown were left to universal suffrage
l beg pardon, am centuries too fast. You
know that fools sometimes have visions of
the future. Besides, people say there are
countries in which the crown is elective
"a stupid idea but no matter. Tribou-
let hasn't the capacity to judge the polit.
cal doctrines of peoples. might say,
then, that the fair Laura de Tillac would
be named by accamation. 2
She, whom the fool had just desig-
mated and whom the stranger was observ-
ing, was a youngsgirl of twenty years, tall
and slender and Of especially distaagae APP
pearance. She wore u robe of sky-blue
brocatelle, partially covered by tunice OF
silver embossed white satin the bodice OF
black velvet. set with precious stones
outlined her elegant form Long golden
cord and tassels hung by her side the
open waist, trimmed with lace, allowed
her neck to be seen encircled with neck
lace of fine pearls; her hair, golden as the
ripe grain which the reaper's sickle has
! laid in burrows, fell in ringlets over hel
shoulders a string of pearls and white
feather made up the adornment of hel
! head.
Laura de Tillac was beautiful Hel
countenance beamed with intelligence hel
eyes, blue, lmpid and sweet. expressed
sincerity her color was Of dead, trans
parent whiteness, her features delicate
her pretty mouth was a jewel box wherein
shown teeth Of pearls. Her attitude hat
a certain nonchalance she appeared
thoughtful, almost Indifferent to the look.
of admiration which were directed toward
her.
'She is charming" said the stranger
land l am of your opinion but you