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 AT EGLINTOUN CASTLE, 
 
 AUGUST 30 th , 1839. 
 
 “ ftljat Uap (tty Urctittest tmu tl)at Hiring brig ty 
 Mb cber see upon tl)ts fcoorlb to sfytne), 
 
 So soonc as fjcatJen's brinboto sfjetoeb light, 
 
 ^Tijese toarltfee champions, all in armour sljine, 
 
 'assembled mere in fielb, ti;e djaltngc to befine.” 
 
 Spenser’s “ JFaern (OJueenc.” 
 
 HE day was brilliant, and appeared the more so, 
 since preceding days of rain had tantalised the 
 hopes and spirits of many thousands, — natives of all 
 parts of the world, — who had united to assist at, 
 or witness a pageant not less interesting in all its 
 associations, than exciting and splendid in its exhi- 
 bition. On one small spot time had revolved ; it 
 shone as though five centuries had rolled and left all unchanged. 
 The antiquarian might close his volume and look on the living 
 picture his lore pondered o’er — no scenic delusion ; no dramatic 
 artifice ; no character sustained in masquerade — all true, all 
 natural, real as on the battle-eve, all the nobler feelings swelled 
 the bosom and dignified the port. It would appear the sacred 
 fire of chivalry ever glowed in the breast of man ; however 
 obscurely it smouldered, oppressed by narrow interests and grosser 
 cares, lightened but a few hours from these, again it shone forth 
 in all its nobleness, bestowing valour, honour, truth to the heart, 
 
 courtesy and dignity to the address, grace and manhood to the 
 deportment ; while, with that beauty which mantles into deeper 
 loveliness at proofs of sincere devotion, it imparted to the fairer 
 creation that faith and fervour which should ever guerdon heroism. 
 
 It was with sentiments akin to these we stood in the antient hall of 
 Eglintoun Castle, and looked on the crowd of lovely women, apparelled 
 with exceeding richness and taste, to whom the exciting scene gave 
 new charms ; and on the iron-clad men, to whom the towering plume, 
 the frowning crest, the ponderous shield and sword, the clanging 
 armour, and deep, heavy tread, gave an air of heroism. 
 
 The imagination borrowed from those romaunts and legends which 
 all ages love, to arrav not only the scene, but each individual with its 
 romantic colouring. 
 
 The groupings, though highly picturesque, were too crowded and 
 evanescent for the pencil. From out this hall of knights, and dames, 
 and squires, and maidens — all in preparation to form in the marshalling 
 procession — amidst heralds, pursuivants, chamberlains, and gaunt men 
 at arms, flaunting gonfalons, and “ harsh resounding trumpets dreadful 
 bray,” amidst barbed and champing steeds, we wandered forth to the 
 park, which presented, from all parts, a population bearing to one 
 common point ; but chiefly did we note, 
 
 That the details may hereafter he the better understood, it will be 
 necessary to quit for an instant a chronological order, and represent a 
 general view of this most beautiful pageant, as it appeared at the 
 interesting moment when the Knight of the Dolphin ran a course 
 against the Black Knight. 
 
 Looking south, at the centre of the line was erected the splendid 
 pavilion of the Queen of Beauty, calculated to hold about seven hundred 
 assistants. It was of gothic structure, castellated, lined with crimson 
 cloth, and hung with magnificent draperies ; flights of steps led on 
 either side to the barrier of the throne and galleries. The throne and 
 dais advanced some fifteen or twenty feet. Splendid gilt chairs were 
 occupied by the Queen and King of the Tournament ; in attendance 
 stood the pages and their squires, surrounded by a body-guard of the 
 noble Ayrshire Archers. Immediately behind the Queen of Beauty’s 
 throne were seated the Ladies of Honour — Lady Charleville, Mrs. 
 Garden Campbell, Miss Upton, Miss Hamilton of Sundrum. Then 
 the Lady Visitors who rode in procession. The lovely Ballochmyle 
 Archeresses, the Queen of Beauty’s guard of honour, occupied the 
 other seats in rear of the throne. On either wings, on graduated 
 seats, were placed the guests personally invited by the Lord of the 
 Tournament. 
 
 “ There were 
 
 A world of ladies; but to tell aright 
 Their beauty grete, lyith not in my might, 
 Ne their array ; nevertheless I shall 
 Tell you a part, tho’ I speke not of all. 
 The surcots, white, of velvit well fitting 
 They were in clad, and the semis each one 
 As it were in a manner garnishing, 
 
 Were set with emeralds, one and one 
 By and by, but many a rich stone 
 Was set on the purfiles, out of doubt 
 Of colours, sleeves, and trains about, 
 
 As of great pearls, round and orient, 
 
 And of diamons fine, and rubys red, 
 
 And many other stones, of which I want 
 The names now, and everich on her hede 
 A rich fret of gold, which, without a dred, 
 Was of full stately rich stones set; 
 
 And every lady had a chapelet.” 
 
 “ The chequered trews and belted plaid 
 That wild and garish semblance made. 
 
 # * * * 
 
 Their legs above the knee were bare; 
 
 Their frames were sinewy, short, and spare, 
 And hardened to the blast/’ 
 
 In keeping and accordance with the gorgeous attire of the ladies was 
 the sumptuous costume of the cavaliers. 
 
 On each side of the Grand Pavilion, Stands capable of containing 
 one thousand spectators each were placed; though less magnificent and 
 of modern fashion, all in these stands wore elegant costumes. The 
 
2 
 
 THE TOURNAMENT. 
 
 pavilions and white tents of the Knight of the Burning Tower,* the 
 Knight of the Dolphin, + the Knight of the Ram,$ occupied the west 
 of this line. The Black Knight, § the Red Rose of Lancaster, || the 
 Knight of Gael, had pitched their black; red and white; blue, red, 
 and green encampments, on the eastern space. On the west side of 
 the parallelogram, the gonfalons of the Knights of the White Rose,^[ 
 the Golden Lion,** the Griffin, ft floated over tents of blue and yellow, 
 blue and crimson, scarlet and white. On the east side stood the 
 black and white tents of the Knight of the Stag’s Head,tt and the 
 magnificent pavilion and encampment of the Lord of the Tournament. 
 At the western extremity of the south line were pitched the marquees 
 and tents of the Knight of the Black Lion and the Dragon Knight. 
 The whole of these tents were of antique fashion. A stand near the 
 tents of the Lord of the Tournament was erected for gentlemen con- 
 nected with the press. This arena was a strongly enclosed plane of 
 650 feet by 250 : along the centre ran the barrier, 100 yards in length 
 and about five feet in height, from opposite sides and ends of which 
 the knights, attended by their squires, ran their course. 
 
 It had been admirably selected, since, surrounded by gentle accli- 
 vities, even distant spectators had a perfect view. Oaks and elms 
 threw every where their shade, and round about in dense crowds stood,, 
 
 “ The bonnie lasses, on whose ruddy face 
 Unfurled was health’s rejoicing banner seen, 
 
 Tricked in their Sunday mutches, edged with lace, 
 
 Tippets of white, and frocks of red and green, 
 
 Gay as May morning, tidy, gim, and clean ; 
 
 Whilst jocund at each wench’s side, her joe 
 Now crack’d many a rustic joke ; now marvell’d at the show.” 
 
 The south of this amphitheatre, which nature and art had so embel- 
 lished, was terminated by the murmuring Lugden, its banks rich 
 
 “ W ith bowers of birch, and groves of pine, 
 
 And hedges flowered with eglantine.” * 
 
 But, away ! away ! Already ladies bright and fair, “ young knights 
 and squires — a gallant train,” are mounted, and by the enclosed path 
 this way the procession wends. 
 
 Rest we near this gothic bridge, as gorgeously it passes ! How 
 lovely, at all times, is this spot ! The gentle Lugden rutfled into louder 
 murmurs by the abutments of the bridge. The swans sailing on its 
 current : a soft umbrageous light throwing in bolder relief the antique 
 architecture! But now an unwonted spectacle arouses other feelings 
 than those calm, meditative sentiments, it hath oft called forth. Already 
 the stout men-at-arms, the soul-stirring trumpeters, the heralds, the 
 pursuivants, have passed. Forward hath ridden, in grand dignity, 
 the Judge of Peace followed by his grim attendants. The magnificent 
 King of the Tournament, in robes of velvet and ermine, borne by 
 his matchless charger, nears the arena. Hark! hark! What shouts 
 rend the air! The Lord of the Tournament approaches the bridge. 
 He now crosses it with all his gorgeous retinue and bold retainers, 
 radiant in golden armour. 
 
 u His carriage is full comely and upright, 
 
 His countenance demure and temperate ; 
 
 But yett so sterne and terrible in sight, 
 
 That chears his friendes, and does his foes amate : 
 
 * * * * borne of noble state, 
 
 And mickle worship in his native land ; 
 
 Well can he tourney, and in lists debate.” 
 
 Mark with what majesty of seat he curbs his impatient 
 barbed charger, curveting beneath his sumptuous caparisons of blue 
 and gold. His casque, barred and coroneted, from which frowns 
 the wyvem, and floats the magnificent panache, is borne by a squire. 
 In advance his gonfalon proudly floats. Surrounded by richly attired 
 squires, his banner is nobly borne. Then marshal his long line 
 of gaunt retainers; and then appear the halberdiers of the valorous 
 Knight of the Griffin. 
 
 ******** 
 
 * Sir F. Hopkins. 
 
 § L. Gilmour, Esq. 
 ** Captain J. Fairlie. 
 
 t Lord Cassilis. 
 
 || K. J. Lechmere, Esq. 
 tf Lord Craven. 
 
 t Hon. Captain Gage. 
 
 H C. Lamb, Esq. 
 
 J J Captain Beresford (absent). 
 
 The Queen of Love and Beauty approaches the pavilion. 
 
 “Smooth, and fair as ivory, was her brow; 
 
 Her mouth was small and roseate, and a smile 
 Played there, like summer lightning ; but the glance 
 Of her clear eyes — those might, indeed, beguile 
 The coldest heart into the utterance of admiration ! 
 
 And as in beauty she surpassed the choir, 
 
 So nobler was the rest of her attire — 
 
 A crown of ruddy gold enclosed her brow.” 
 
 The Queen’s magnificent charger — a stately grey, plumed and 
 adorned with festoon garlands and rich array — moved as though 
 conscious of his lovely freight. Two grooms, in rich costumes of 
 blue and silver, restrain his impatient march. The beautiful ladies 
 of honour rode next ; then a magnificent cortege of pages, squires, 
 attendants. Applause at each step greeted this magnificent caval- 
 cade. But when 
 
 “ She, with the dark, full, sprightly orbs, that oft 
 Mingling high dignity with their radiance soft,” 
 
 acknowledged with gentle courtesy such grateful salutation, enthu- 
 siasm knew no limits ; every heart bounded under the witchery of 
 beauty, adorned by the virtues and the graces. As all eyes strain 
 after the Queen of Beauty and her lovely train, the attention is 
 arrested by 
 
 “The whoop, and the halloo, and the festive gibes,” 
 
 of my ancient inkle, right merry- cos, the Jester. His racy humour 
 hath the breadth of Shakspeare, with the terse point of Burns. 
 There is a piquancy which provokes attack ; and, when stung by 
 the sharp repartee, like the effect of a slight electric shock — the 
 intermeddler grins and laughs more broad and loudly than the 
 bystanders. 
 
 The long, magnificent line of the brilliant procession, has wheeled 
 into station. I he Queen of Beauty has ascended her throne. All 
 the great officers are at their posts. With flourishes of trumpets 
 the valorous knights and gallant squires pass in review, inspected 
 by arch glances from smiling beauties, as they pay homage to the 
 throne of love. 
 
 Again, loud alarums of trumpets ; while 
 
 “ The Knight-Marshal demands of each knight 
 The cause of his arrival here in arms ; 
 
 Asks his lineage, and orderly proceeds 
 To swear him to deal justly in this cause.” 
 
 The valiant Knight of Gael having sounded challenge on the 
 shield of the redoubtable Knight of the Black Lion, they first 
 appear candidates for chivalric honours : 
 
 “ Sprightfully and bold, 
 
 Stay but the summons of the appellant trumpet.” 
 
 Hark ! now the Marshal cries ! 
 
 Sound trumpets ! i Laissez , les aller !* Set forward, champions I” 
 
 Three jousts are run. A slight advantage gives to the Gaelic 
 Knight the honours ot the Queen of Beauty's first award. 
 
 Again, with solemn ancient formula, the herald proclaims that 
 the formidable Golden Lion Knight challenges the puissant Knight 
 of the Griffin. 
 
 Rather than the whirlwind of reckless valour, the charge bespeaks 
 trained, disciplined courage, building victory on discretion. Both 
 lances shiver in the stern attack. The rich Milan armour of the 
 Griffin Knight receives a shock not felt since Cressy’s fight. Waving 
 
 kerchiefs, loud huzzas, attest deep interest and approbation of this 
 feat. 
 
 A pass of courtesy restores to each knight fresh vigour. 
 
 In the third course, full on the emblazonment of his antagonist's 
 shield, the lance ot the Griffin Knight is shivered. Mounted on 
 a magnificent charger, with housings of silver, scarlet, and gold, 
 
 the Knight of the Griffin is led to pay his devoirs to the Queen 
 of Beauty. 
 
 W hen the heralds announced that the Knight of the Red Rose 
 of Lancaster had challenged the Lord of the Tournament, a pause 
 of deep excitement ensued. Every eye was riveted as the stately 
 
THE TOURNAMENT. 
 
 3 
 
 Knights reined up at the barrier. On the preceding day, the 
 
 Knight of the Red Rose of Lancaster had proved himself a con- 
 summate horseman, and one of the most redoubtable knights in 
 the lists. The Lord of the Tournament had hitherto been victorious 
 over every opponent. Both of tall, athletic frame ; both excellently 
 mounted ; both splendidly equipped and attended ; both were admi- 
 rably and perfectly armed ; both gallantly bore their casque, and 
 dexterously and gracefully brandished lance. 
 
 As the trumpets sounded the charge, every spirit was with its 
 blast. 
 
 The course was beautifully and scientifically rode — a joust of 
 range and practice. The second joust — a highly finished, graceful 
 pass of courtesy, replete with elegance and dignity. But the third: 
 all was stern, formidable, earnest — the horses were at the exact 
 pitch of mettle, suppleness, and command. The knights, their vigour 
 aroused ; their judgment cool ; eye experienced ; hand accurate ; 
 prepared, firm, resolved ; at utmost speed came on. The encounter 
 was terrible — the effect of the crash that reverberated through the 
 lists, no figure of speech could exaggerate : the shield of the Knight 
 of the Red Rose was struck full in its centre ; and the lance of the 
 Lord of the Tournament, shivered into splinters, was hurled far, 
 high, and wide. At the instant that the Knight of the Red Rose 
 received the tremendous blow, delivered full on his chest, his horse, 
 startled at the crash and clamour, swerved : the equilibrium dis- 
 turbed by the double event, the knight was shook, and reeled in his 
 saddle. For a moment he appeared as though he would regain his 
 seat; but the horse, alarmed as he approached the pavilions, again 
 swerving and plunging, the valiant and skilful knight was thrown.* 
 He instantly remounted. 
 
 It is utterly impossible to imagine any joust more knightly ridden 
 than this, or a lance delivered in a finer style than that of the Lord 
 of the Tournament. The whole congregated mass of population 
 shouted long and deafening applause ; hats, caps, kerchiefs, waving; 
 flowers showering over the arena. 
 
 A part of the pageant, perhaps the most graceful and interesting, 
 was where the victorious knight does homage to the Queen of Beauty. 
 It was a truly splendid spectacle when the Lord of the Tournament, 
 ushered by trumpets, heralds, surrounded by the great officers of 
 state, followed by his brilliant squires and retinue, his champing 
 charger led by magnificently clad grooms, was conducted to the 
 pavilion — 
 
 “ Where ladies’ eyes 
 
 Rain’d influence and adjudg’d the prize.” 
 
 As the Knight- Marshal, amidst triumphs of trumpets, presents 
 the Lord of the Tournament to the Queen of Beauty — a conqueror 
 in the lists — the victor knight, bending o’er his saddle-bows, his 
 lance lowered to earth, lays at the feet of the Queen of Beauty 
 his honours and his trophies. The Queen — 
 
 “ With something than beauty dearer, 
 
 Or on whose mind, or mind-illumin’d face, 
 
 Truth, goodness, honour, harmony, grace, shone” — 
 
 rose, with gentle dignity congratulated the valorous knight, and 
 rewarded him with that tribute successful valour claims from Beauty’s 
 Queen. 
 
 Again the herald proclaims “ Oyez ! oyez ! oyez ! ” and calls 
 attention to a new source of interest. An unknown knight challenges 
 the daring Knight of the Dolphin. 
 
 Conjecture is rife, inquiries murmur round, who this unknown 
 
 may be ? 
 
 The pause which ensued was employed by riding for the ring, 
 which the Jester proclaimed the Ladies’ Tilt— the ring, indeed, was 
 suspended before, and under the immediate tutelage of, the ladies; 
 knights and squires intermingled in this sport, and, as in quick 
 succession, at full gallop, par tour , they tilted to bear it away, the 
 exercise was pretty enough ; nor less entertaining was the jousting at 
 the quintain ; a huge Saracen, who bestowed, much to the amusement 
 of the laughter-loving crowd, on the mal-adroit knight who struck 
 him, but not full and fairly, a thundering thwack with his oaken 
 
 * For effect, we have— we trust with pardonable liberty — depicted the fall of the 
 knight, as if immediately on receiving his adversary’s lance. 
 
 brand. At these pastimes, the Lord of the Tournament was pre- 
 eminently successful and graceful. 
 
 The promised passage between the Unknown Knight and the 
 Knight of the Dolphin having been postponed for the morrow, the 
 Black Knight hastened to challenge the bold Knight of the Dragon. 
 
 The first and second tilts were without atteint : the lances crossed 
 at the third. These passages were made at racing speed, and full of 
 spirit. No award was made. It was at this time that a joke of my 
 shrewd Jester afforded infinite fun. 
 
 The mad-wag Knight of the Dragon, athirst from his late passage, 
 whips from the pouch of our motley friend a flagon of Scotch ale ; 
 the which, sans ceremonie, he half drains off. The Jester makes full 
 and fair retort ; for, entering the Dragon’s antre, he re-issues forth, 
 with half-a-dozen bottles of champaigne dangling round his waist : 
 the foaming, sparkling contents of which, aided by his wit, regale and 
 rejoice the spectators. 
 
 The heralds announce that the Knight of the Dolphin, vainly 
 belted to receive an unknown antagonist, now challenges the ardent 
 Knight of the White Rose. 
 
 The three tilts were spiritedly ridden, but neither gained 
 advantage. 
 
 The Knight of the Swan was then proclaimed antagonist of the 
 sturdy Ram. The horsemanship was beautiful : the equipments and 
 retinue brilliant : three tilts were ran without atteint. 
 
 The bold Knight of the Golden Lion then offers laurels to be 
 won by the formidable Knight of the Burning Tower. 
 
 At the second tilt, the lance of the Golden Lion is riven on his 
 opponent’s shield. No achievement in the third joust excelling the 
 feat of the second. The Golden Lion is presented victor to the Queen 
 of Beauty. 
 
 The Lord of the Tournament, attended by a splendid cavalcade, 
 paying lowly homage, now appeared before the Queen, announcing 
 that, with her good pleasure, the jousts would here conclude, to be 
 resumed on the morrow. 
 
 Meanwhile, preparations were making for the milee : a contest 
 which, with the stirring, exciting influence of numbers, brings on 
 the scene all the variety and reality of a conflict. Be it by accident, 
 or by design, as, completely armed, on opposing sides the knights were 
 ranged, many failed not to remark, that the Knights of Caledonia and 
 Hibernia were to win honours from Britannia’s champions. Thus — 
 the Lord of the Tournament opposed the Red Rose of Lancaster ; 
 the Knight of the Dragon, the Black Lion ; the Black Knight, the 
 Knight of the Swan ; the Knight of the White Rose, the Golden 
 Lion. 
 
 The charge sounds ! With ready sword each knight rushes to 
 the contest — 
 
 “ With aid of leg, of hand and rein, 
 
 Each warlike feat to shew ; 
 
 To pass, to wheel, the croupe to gain 
 Mid high curvet, that not in vain 
 The sword-sway might descend amain 
 On foeman casque below.” 
 
 In this essay it is to be regretted, that the gallant Knight of the 
 Swan’s gauntlet being cut through, he received thereby a severe wound. 
 
 At the second melee six knights appear ; their numbers lessened, 
 their ardour increased : four knights having exchanged the blows 
 prescribed by the regulations of the tourney, pass on — not so the 
 ardent Knights of the Dragon and Black Lion. Warmed into noble 
 emulation — their souls in arms — their armour rings with quick 
 successive blows — now warded by lightning-gleaming swords — now 
 received — wheeling in wdiirlpool eddies, aided by high courbettes, 
 ballotades, capriolles, voltes, pirouettes, — knight hangs on knight, 
 dealing with resistless force the swift, countless, jarring strokes. An 
 excitement approaching tremor seizes all ! As witnessing a real 
 conflict the eyes of men inflame! The female cheek grows pallid! 
 The judge awes the combatants! The Knight-Marshal commands 
 them to their ranks! Though warmed with generous ardour, the 
 knights obey. 
 
 As they gallantly salute the brilliant eyes witness of their prowess, 
 smiles and waving kerchiefs reward the chivalry which prompts to 
 noble deeds, and teaches not less to subdue one’s self than foe. 
 
4 
 
 THE TOURNAMENT. 
 
 The day’s great achievements draw to their close ; the Queen 
 of Beauty descends her throne, again remounts her noble grey ; the 
 ladies resume their palfreys ; the procession forms ; and, 
 
 “ Knights, with a long retinue of squires, 
 
 In gaudy liveries march’d, and quaint attires. 
 
 The coursers pawed the ground with restless feet, 
 
 And snorting, foam’d, and champ’d the burnish’d bit ; 
 
 The yeomen steady march in stately bands, 
 
 And clowns came crowding on, with cudgels in their hands.” 
 
 Nine had been sounded before the ladies reappearing, the magni- 
 ficent Banqueting-hall was thrown open to near five hundred guests. 
 
 All that taste, regardless of expense, could devise ; blending in 
 harmony the gothic with the modern — all that magnificence could 
 desire, or hospitality proffer, was here profusely offered. But feasting, 
 however sumptuous, is not poetic : it leaves aerial flights for more 
 substantial enjoyment. 
 
 One moment, gentle reader, while we quaff this glass of sillery 
 a votre sante ; anon we will be with you. 
 
 Among all the elaborate preparations for this matchless fete, none 
 presented a coup d'ceil more unique than the staircase leading to the 
 Ball-saloon. It, and the corridor it opened on, were hung with the 
 richest gobelins, and blazed with variegated illumination. Odoriferous 
 exotic plants made a wilderness of perfume and beauteous flowers. At 
 the foot of the broad stairway covered with velvet, men-at-arms bore 
 the rich emblazoned banners of the different knights, guarded by 
 grim, gaunt halberdiers. In superb costumes, the bands of the 
 Queen’s Bays and 78 th occupied each angle opposite the stairs. 
 But beyond all attractive were the varying groups that now a moment 
 stay, then flit past ; or the lovely fair, attended by the splendid 
 cavalier, who mount to other scenes of gaiety, or descend to the 
 Ball-saloon. 
 
 " Flush’d by the spirit of the genial hour — 
 
 Now from the virgin’s cheek a fresher bloom 
 Shoots, less and less, the live carnation round ; 
 
 Her lips blush deeper sweets; she breathes of youth; 
 
 The shining moisture swells into her eyes, 
 
 In brighter flow.” 
 
 Thence, the Ball-room opened with a display of brilliancy and mag- 
 nificence that makes the descriptions of Lord Leicester’s fete at 
 Kenilworth appear but mummery. This sumptuous saloon was 
 171 feet by 45. The chandeliers were of the most gorgeous 
 
 description, besides innumerable lights on antique bronze pedestals. 
 The upper end of the saloon was occupied by a throne, surmounted 
 by a canopy of gold and silver cloth, decorated with magnifi- 
 cent plumes. At the centre of the right side was placed the grand 
 orchestra, lighted by festooned lamps, embowered with the rarest 
 of the parasitic tribes; and right merrily within this hall 
 
 “ The gallant knights, and ladies bright, 
 
 Did move to measure fine ; 
 
 Like frolic faries, jimp and light, 
 
 Wha dance in the pale moonshine.” 
 
 With waltzes, quadrilles, gallopades, the strathspeys and reels were 
 introduced. At two, a sumptuous supper was served. Again the 
 dancing renewed. 
 
 As the day dawned, this memorable fete waned : one which, 
 without alluding to the preceding days, had for nineteen hours been a 
 constant succession of gorgeous splendour, united to exhibitions of 
 highest and most intense interest. As the Italian mariners exclaim of 
 the Bay of Naples, 
 
 “ Vede e poi morire,” 
 
 so might we, in conclusion, justly say of this spirited attempt to revive 
 the chivalric sports of the heroic ages of Europe. 
 
 We are aware how unattainable it is to hope, by pencil or pen, to 
 do justice to the achievements of the knights, the splendour of the 
 assistants, the magnificent hospitality of the Lord of the Tournament. 
 We have essayed, however inadequately, with fidelity, to convey some 
 idea of the most remarkable points of these splendid pageants ; and 
 to record an event which, as at the moment of its announcement it 
 created a sensation in all the civilised parts of the globe, so it will not 
 fail to be curiously scrutinised and commented on to the latest 
 posterity. 
 
 Greatly, indeed, would we rejoice, could our humble efforts so 
 stimulate the opulent and chivalric, that the laudable example of 
 the Earl of Eglinton might not be lost. That we might again 
 behold to flourish the manly sports of our forefathers, which, as from 
 distant ages, second only to religion, they have been ever considered 
 the cradle and nurse of all the cardinal virtues ; so in these our 
 days they cannot fail of being tutelary to magnanimity and valour, 
 while they open to commerce and the arts a new, varied, and wide- 
 extending channel. 
 
 13 * * 
 
 / 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 PRINTED BY 
 
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 LEICESTER SQUARE. 
 

 Fjdw.-jjctl Corbould , Cep r 1859 . 
 
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