the heads of the companies saluted him with their swords.

"On the fifth, a second tournament was held, and, in spite of the bad
weather, the King found it more beautiful than the first. Many ladies
were present. The Russian envoys, who had not seen the previous fête,
occupied seats at the King's right. During a shower, the spectators
retired quickly, but as soon as it had passed, all the seats were
filled again. The Marquis de Plumartin won the prize. It was a sword
adorned with diamonds, but more costly than that won by the Prince de
Lorraine."

The Fête of Kings celebrated each year was a brilliant affair at
Versailles. Then the Hall of Mirrors and Salons of War and Peace were
illumined by hundreds upon hundreds of twinkling tapers, while over the
floor glided a throng of slippered feet to the beat of strings and
hautboys. At the suppers, which preceded and followed the dancing,
seventy-two Swiss guards served the guests, each one distinguished by a
ribbon corresponding with the color of the table to whose service he
was assigned. It was the King's custom to retire from the revel with
regal formalities at one hour after midnight. But the feasting and
dancing continued many times until rosy dawn stole in the windows and
paled the candle-light. Besides balls, concerts, plays, games of
chance, masquerades, all the Court was invited every week--between
October and Easter--to take part in the _appartements_ or receptions
given by the King. These soirées began at seven o'clock and lasted
till ten. The chief diversion was card-playing. The King, the Queen
and all the princes so far unbent as to play with their guests at the
same tables, and move about without ceremony, conversing, listening to
the music of Lully's band, watching a minuet or a gavotte, eating and
drinking, or bestowing special favors upon courtiers that engaged their