in the first copse knights in full armour asleep at the foot of trees, on
which hung their spears and shields. The absence of the beauties who had
incited the nephews of Charlemagne and the gallants of that period to
lofty deeds was supposed to occasion this lethargic slumber. But when the
Queen appeared at the entrance of the copse they were on foot in an
instant, and melodious voices announced their eagerness to display their
valour. They then hastened into a vast arena, magnificently decorated in
the exact style of the ancient tournaments. Fifty dancers dressed as pages
presented to the knights twenty-five superb black horses, and twenty-five
of a dazzling whiteness, all most richly caparisoned. The party led by
Augustus Vestris wore the Queen's colours. Picq, balletmaster at the
Russian Court, commanded the opposing band. There was running at the
negro's head, tilting, and, lastly, combats 'a outrance', perfectly well
imitated. Although the spectators were aware that the Queen's colours
could not but be victorious, they did not the less enjoy the apparent
uncertainty.

Nearly all the agreeable women of Paris were ranged upon the steps which
surrounded the area of the tourney. The Queen, surrounded by the royal
family and the whole Court, was placed beneath an elevated canopy. A
play, followed by a ballet-pantomime and a ball, terminated the fete.
Fireworks and illuminations were not spared. Finally, from a prodigiously
high scaffold, placed on a rising ground, the words 'Vive Louis! Vive
Marie Antoinette!' were shown in the air in the midst of a very dark but
calm night.

Pleasure was the sole pursuit of every one of this young family, with the
exception of the King. Their love of it was perpetually encouraged by a
crowd of those officious people who, by anticipating the desires and even
the passions of princes, find means of showing their zeal, and hope to