There was magic, to my young ears, in the very name of the Fair of
Beaucaire. Beaucaire is only ten miles from Nismes, therefore no wonder
I heard plenty about it. It is true, that in my time, the world-famous
fair did not exercise so vast an influence on commercial affairs In
general, as in the old days, when it was the great market of France; and
not only France, but of all civilized countries. With what enjoyment
would I hear my grandfather relate how great caravans of wealthy
merchants would assemble for mutual protection, because of the audacious
outlaws, often headed by some powerful baron, who lay in wait for them
to despoil them of their merchandise, and often to carry them off
prisoners and extort heavy ransom. My grandfather would tell hew long
files of mules, laden with rich silks, cloths, serges, camlets, and
furs, from Montpelier, from Narbonne, from Toulouse, from Carcassonne,
and other places, would wend towards Beaucaire, as the day called the
Feast of St. Magdalene approached, on which the fair was opened. The
roads were then thronged with travelers; the city was choke-full of
strangers; not a bed to be had, unless long preëngaged, for love or
money. The shops exhibited the utmost profusion of rich goods;
hospitality was exercised without grudging; old friends met from year to
year; matches between their children were frequently concerted; bargains
were struck, and commercial bills were commonly made payable at the Fair
of Beaucaire. The crowd was immense while it lasted; a hundred thousand
strangers being generally present.

Thus, you can easily conceive what charms such a lively scene had for
the young; while to the old it was the crown of their industry during
the year. Those at a distance, finding communications difficult and
journeys expensive, were glad to make an annual pilgrimage serve their
turn, when they were certain of meeting their fellow-traders, and of