University of Virginia Library

The FOURTH DAY.

But tho' the Feasts comprehended in the Subject of the Pleasures of the Inchanted Island were ended, yet all the Diversions of Versailles were not so, and the Magnificence

and Galantry of the King had reserved some for other Days, that were no less agreeable.

On Saturday the 10th, his Majesty had a mind to run at Heads. 'Tis an Exercise which few People are ignorant of, and the Use whereof comes from Germany, very well invented to shew a Cavalier's Address, as well in managing his Horse in Turns of War, as in rightly using a Lance, a Dart and a Sword. If there are any who never saw them run at, they may here find a Description of it, being not so common as the Ring, and only brought hither of late: and those who have had the Pleasure of seeing 'em, may however bear with so short a Narrative.

The Knights enter the Lists one after another with Lance in Hand, and a Dart under the right Thigh, and after one of them has run and bore off a Head of thick Past-board painted, and in Form of a Turk's, he gives his Lance to a Page, and making the half Volta, he returns on a full Gallop to the second Head, which is the Colour and Form of a Moor's, bears it off with the Dart which he strikes it with as he goes by; then taking a Javelin little different in Form from a Dart, in a third Turn he darts it in a Buckler, whereon is painted a Medusa's Head; and ending his demi Volta, he draws his Sword, wherewith, as he gallops by, he bears off a Head raised half a Foot from Earth; then giving way to another, he who, in his running, bears off most gains the Prize.

All the Court being placed on a Ballustrade of Iron gilt, which went quite round the agreeable House of Versailles, and which looks into the Trench, wherein were prepar'd the Lists with Rails; the King repair'd thither, follow'd by the same Knights that ran at the Ring. The Duke of St. Aignan and Noailles continuing in their former Offices, one of Mareschal de Camp, and the other of Judge of the Courses; of which many were run, very handsomely and successfully; but the King's Skill gain'd him not only the Prize of the Ladies Course, but likewise that which the Queen gave.

It was a Rose of Diamonds of great Value, which the King after having won it, freely gave to be run for by the other Knights, and which the Marquis de Coaslin disputed with the Marquis of Soyecourt, and gain'd.