One bright morning unwonted velvet shone, unwonted feathers waved, and horses' hoofs glinted and ran through the streets of Tergou, and the windows and balconies were studded with wondering faces.

The French ambassador was riding through to sport in the neighbouring forest.
Besides his own suite, he was attended by several servants of the Duke of Burgundy, lent to do him honour and minister to his pleasure.

The Duke's tumbler rode before him with a grave, sedate majesty, that made his more noble companions seem light, frivolous persons.

But ever and anon, when respect and awe neared the oppressive, he rolled off his horse so ignobly and funnily, that even the ambassador was fain' to burst out laughing.

He also climbed up again by the tail in a way provocative of mirth, and so he played his part.