Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/78

54 from a visit of some years at the court of Poland. He was a most gallant youth, with a figure like Mars, and a leader in all warlike exercises; so that the lists were ordered for three days, in honour of his return. When they were pitched, the king and the court assembled, and the trumpets sounded to the charge.

Few persons knew the armour of Claudius, which was of massy silver scales; his beaver was up, and just as he was fixing his lance, his eyes fell upon the face of this beautiful woman. His admiration was as sudden as severe; and he became entranced, so that his heart beat violently. The knight who was opposed to him rode directly at him, and nearly unhorsed him before he was aroused; but returning to the charge, at a moment when he could have done any thing, he brought his opponent to the ground with the fury of his zeal.

Whatever his love of chivalry might be, he felt little inclined to pursue it at this time; so that he rode often past this lady, without singling out any of the champions. By his frequent passing, she observed him, and thought him the most gallant figure there, but no more.

As soon as the jousts were done, he gave his helmet to his page; and having gathered his luxuriant hair back upon his shoulders, seated