The age-herald., 1898-01-02

therefore, on the occasion of a public com bat between a lion and a bull, when the former animal had succeeded. after terrts ble struggle, in pulling the bull to the ground, King Pepin, turning towards those of his nobility who were present, said:
 (Which one of you will dare to enter the arena now, and part the combatants or kill them?" A dead silence and very per- turbed looks were the only reply. 'Then here is the man who will dare it, shouted the little king, springing as he spoke, Into the arena. With drawn blade he rushed upon the lion and stabbed the fierce brute to the heart, ere it could withdraw it's fangs from the neck of the bull in which they were imbedded. Then with one mighty stroke the intreped monarch almost sev- cred the bulls head from its body. The whole vast audience sat silent and amazed at so unlooked-for an exhibition of cour- age, dexterity, and strength combined. Turning towards his courtiers, the king merely said. in a very quiet tone: You should have remembered that although David was little of stature, yet he laid low the insolent giant who defied Israeli
 A less dangerous form of amusement to which King Pepin was partial was what were termed cours plenicres. These were assemblies at which, upon the kings invi- tation, all the lords and courtiers Of France were expected to be present. They were held twice in each year-at Christ mas and Easter-and generally lasted for
 
 these gatherings took place at the kings palace; sometimes in the neighborhood Of one of the larger French cities, and some times in some rural district While the festival lasted, the king took all his meals in public, bishops and dukes alone being privileged to sit at the royal table. A second table was provided for abbots, counts, and other leading men, and at both tables there was shown, more profusion than delicacy, both in the quality of the meats and rinks and the manner in which they were served. Flutes, hautboys, and other musical instruments were played be- fore the bearers of each course, as it was removed from the tables. When dessert was served twenty heralds each holding aloft a jeweled goblet, shouted thrice; "Largesse! largesse from the most potent of kings!' As they shouted, they scat tered among the crowds handfuls of gold and silver coins. Then the trumpets were blown, while the better class spectators shouted, and the meaner sort scrambled, and often fought vigorously for the money scattered by the heralds.
 Charles VII, of France, put a final stop to the cours plenicres, alleging that the expense attendant upon his wars with England made 1t impossible for him to con- tinue them. One of the seyereSt causes of expense. 1t was explained, arose from the fact that, beginning with King Pepin's time, etiquette and custom alike demanded that the king should, upon these occasions, give an entire suit of new and gorgeous clothing, not only to his own servants and retainers but also to those of the queen and all the princes of the blood royal. These garments were said to be livres- that is, "delivered'' at the kings expense; and from this word the English word "liv- ery' was derived. as was the custom of providing servants with livery from the aforementioned practice of certain of the French kings.