the splendour of the court, and the sparkling
jewellery, the costly attire, and the waving plumes indicated the spot
where the rank and beauty of Spain was assembled in all its glory and
magnificence. Indeed towards this part of the lists the attention was
more particularly directed, as in all courteous exhibitions of martial
prowess, the interest is chiefly centered in those objects, to win whose
smile lances are broken and helmets shivered.--Nor was the feeling of
enthusiasm on beholding this scene lessened by the appearance of the
opposite gallery, which, though more humble, nevertheless contributed,
by the variety and gaiety of their costume, together with the cheerful
animation expressed in their countenances, to the general effect of the
picture. Then the proud display of all the panoplies of the court; the
rich waving plumage of the crests; the lustre of the burnished shields
and polished armour, together with the neighing of the spirited charger
that caracolled the lists, and the warlike strains that at intervals
floated on the air, powerfully tended to strike the imagination and
inspire the heart to deeds of chivalry and arms.

A flourish of trumpets and clarions now indicated that the tournament
was about to commence. In a few moments therefore the lists were
cleared, with the exception of the heralds, who, gorgeously equipped in
suits of crimson and gold, and attended by trumpeters, advanced to the
four corners of the lists to proclaim the challenge. It was couched in
the formula of chivalric language, which it would be superfluous here to
transcribe. The meaning, however, was, that the _Mantenedor_ and his
supporters, Don Manuel Ponce de Leon, the Alcayde de los Donceles, Count
Cifuentes, and Don Antonio de Leyva, invited all knights adventurers to
break lances, if they were hardy enough to dispute their right to the
lists. As soon as the challenge had been pronounced, the heralds retired
to their posts; when the trumpets sounded again, the gates of the castle
were thrown open, and the five challengers came forward.

Nothing could surpass the richness of their harness, the splendour of
their armour, and the gallantry of their bearing. The grand master was
attired in a costly suit of steel, the corslet of which was entirely
burnished with silver, and the ornaments chased with the same precious
metal. Over this he wore a short mantle of white velvet, which was the
colour he had adopted. On his shield, upon a