Dexterity and Address, and keeping firm in their Saddles,
gave each other such Rebuffs with their Lances, that all the
Spectators (the Queen only excepted) wish'd for two Kings of
_Babylon_. At last, their Horses being tired, and both their Lances
broke, _Zadig_ made use of the following Stratagem, which his
Antagonist wasn't any ways appriz'd of. He got artfully behind him,
and shooting with a Spring on his Horses Buttocks, grasp'd him
close, threw him headlong on the Sand, then jump'd into his Seat,
and wheel'd round Prince _Hottam_, while he lay sprawling on the
Ground. All the Spectators in general, with loud Acclamations, cried
out, Victory! Victory! in favour of the Champion in white. _Hottam_,
incens'd to the last Degree, got up, and drew his Sword. _Zadig_
sprang from his Horse with his Sabre in his Hand. Now, behold the
two Chieftains upon their Legs, commencing a new Trial of Skill!
where they seem'd to get the better of each other alternately; for
both were strong, and both were active. The Feathers of their
Helmets, the Studs of their Bracelets, their Coats of Mail, flew
about in Pieces, thro' the dry Blows which they a thousand Times
repeated. They struck at each other sometimes with the Edge of their
Swords, at other Times they push'd, as Occasion offer'd: Now on the
Right, then on the Left; now on the Head, then at the Breast; they
retreated; they advanc'd; they kept at a Distance; they clos'd
again; they grasp'd each other, turning and twisting like two
Serpents, and engag'd each other as fiercely as two _Libyan_ Lions
fighting for their Prey: Their Swords struck Fire almost at every
Blow. At last, _Zadig_, in order to recover his Breath, for a Moment
or two stood still, and afterwards, making a Feint at the Prince,
threw him on his Back, and disarm'd him. _Hottam_, thereupon, cried
out, O thou Knight of the white Armour! 'Tis you only are destin'd
to be the King of _Babylon_. The Queen was perfectly transported.
The two Champions were reconducted to their separate Lodges, as the
others had been before them, in Conformity to the Laws prescrib'd.
Several Mutes were order'd to wait on the Champions, and carry them
some proper Refreshment. We'll leave the Reader to judge whether the
Queen's Dwarf was not appointed to wait on _Zadig_ on this happy
Occasion. After Supper the Mutes withdrew, and left the Combatants
to rest their wearied Limbs till the next Morning; at which Time the
Victor was to produce his _