Page:The Ladies' Cabinet of Fashion, Music & Romance 1832.pdf/105

Rh sophers there; they must labour as well as laugh at fun, -or (I suspect, Henry here violated the Third Commandment,) they shall leave the ground ;" and he instantly proposed to the twin-brothers the alternative, which was answered with an alacrity that showed they were prepared for coming to a decision of some importance.  Nothing, Henry Sandilands, can be more agreeable to me," first rejoined the one and then the other. "But you must be divided," insisted " Pugnacity's self," as Sandilands was nicknamed; "fair play demands such an equalization." The twins threw significant glances towards one another, and simultaneously said, " be it so." 66" Well," continued the provoker, “ but you two must be pitched each immediately against each; "we are all anxious to learn who is the best, who is master." The fair brow of Edward Dangerfield for a moment was moved ; so was that of Oliphant. The former then firmly addressed the latter thus :-" It is said that we once struggled as Esau and Jacob are reported to have done at their birth. The tradition has stirred us up to a fraternal, loving rivalry ever since, in all that has been recommended to us as worthy and noble. Why not, my brother Oliphant, for once please our friends, and show them that we can strive in grosser contests ?" " To be sure, why not, Edward," quoth the other ; but mark me, whoever ofus two is vanquished at foot-ball, shall, before any one present quits the ground, fight Henry Sandilands."

It was by this time evident to all around, to me, at least, most touchingly, that the scene to be witnessed would be one of no ordinary description. It was conducted as follows:

The game was begun, and for some time proceeded without anything remarkable characterizing the play. Indeed, unusual apathy, or rather abstraction, occupied the usual hands; for while the twin-brothers stripped and girded themselves for the contest, the ball was nearly forgotten. At length the Dangerfields strode arm in arm to the centre, between the goals where the play had been freely conducted. They separated ; they engaged in the same; they met, every one else withdrawing to a respectful distance. Judiciously and strenuously they exerted themselves; similar agility had never been witnessed by any of the bystanders. But then it was impossible to predict who would conquer, so equally matched they seemed. It was an imposing sight : graceful and lithe youths putting every stratagem and muscle to the test; and each by turns foiling the other, as if fame and fortune were in the scales. At times the rivalry seemed more than a contest, it resembled a conflict,