Page:Tournament at Eglinton Castle.pdf/22

22, their palfreys each attended by a page, and the Queen of Beauty's train was borne by her Majesty's pages. Next in point of attraction was a squadron of female archers, who also joined in the procession. These, to the number of 16, consisted of the titled damsels at present residing at Eglinton. They were most beautifully and uniformly dressed for the spectacle. Above a robe of white silk or cotton, there was a tunic or jaeketjacket [sic] of green silk velvet, lined with rich fur. The turbans were also of silk—Lincoln Green. They, too, were trimmed with fur as white as snow; and even the sandals partook of the national sporting colour of green. Along the whole line of the route, the cheering was most enthusiastic, and Lord Eglinton, as he richly deserved, came in for his full share of these plaudits, which hche [sic] acknowledged in the most courteous manner.

After due prcparationpreparation [sic], it was announeedannounced [sic] that the Knight of the Gael (Lord Glenlyon) and the Knight of the Black Lion (Viscount Alford) agreed to meet in the lists. The contest was a very good one, and eventually declared in favour of the Knight of the Gael, who shivered his lance against his opponent.

The Herald then announeedannounced [sic] that a tilt would take plaeeplace [sic] between the Knight of the GoldcnGolden [sic] Lion (J. O. Fairlie), and the Knight of the Griffin (Earl of Craven.) In the first tilt both lances were touched, but no scriousserious [sic] damage was done. In the second tilt, the Knight of the Golden Lion touched the lance of his opponent; and in the third tilt, the Knight of the Griffin broke his laneelance [sic] near the hilt, and victory declared in his favour. The tilting of these knights was much applauded from the coolness and intrepidity of their proceedings.

It was then announced that the Earl of Eglinton would tilt with the Knight of the Red Rose (J. O. Lechmere.)

In the first course they missed. Ditto in the second In the third course, Lord Eglinton broke his lance in capital style, and was rewarded by the applause of the Queen of Beauty and the public.

Succeeding this tilt, the Herald moved opposite the seat of the Queen of Beauty, and after repeating "O yes," three times, announced that an Unknown Knight had challenged the Knight of the Dolphin, (Earl Cassillis) This created considerable excitement, for it was understood that the Unknown would be a German Prince of Fame, and fortune; but the challenger did not appear, and the challenge dropped. It was then announced that the Unknown Knight not being ready, the Black Knight challenged the Knight of the Dragon (Waterford.) In the first, both missed; second, ditto; in the third, the Black Knight splintered his lance, and gained the palm.

In the next tilting, the Knight of the Dolphin (Earl Cassillis) challenged the Knight of the Griffin (Earl Craven.)