They then hastened into a vast arena, magnificently decorated in the exact style of the ancient tournaments.

Fifty dancers dressed as pages presented to the knights twenty-five superb black horses, and twenty-five of a dazzling whiteness, all most richly caparisoned.

The party led by Augustus Vestris wore the Queen's colours.

Picq, balletmaster at the Russian Court, commanded the opposing band.

There was running at the negro's head, tilting, and, lastly, combats 'a outrance', perfectly well imitated.