to decoy them from the king's side, by feints, false alarms,
stumbling blocks, or any other method that can be contrived
to divert them from their duty. The _same_, p. 15. (vide.
159, ante.)]

Thus ended one of the most memorable chess contests upon record. Not
more stubbornly did the Grecians and Romans upon Troy's plain, or the
English and French upon Egypt's shores, contend for the palm of
victory, than did Philemon and Narcottus compel their respective
forces to signalize themselves in this hard-fought game. To change the
simile for a more homely one; no Northamptonshire hunt was ever more
vigorously kept up; and had it not been (at least so Philemon
thought!) for the inadvertent questions of Lysander, respecting the
antiquity of the amusement, an easy victory would have been obtained
by my guest over my neighbour. Lysander, with his usual politeness,
took all the blame upon himself. Philemon felt, as all chess-combatants
feel upon defeat, peevish and vexed. But the admirably well adapted
conversation of Lysander, and the natural diffidence of Narcottus,
served to smooth Philemon's ruffled plumage; and at length diffused
o'er his countenance his natural glow of good humour.

It was now fast advancing towards midnight; when Narcottus withdrew to
his house, and my guests to their chambers.

To-morrow came; and with the morrow came composure and hilarity in the
countenances of my guests. The defeat of the preceding evening was no
longer thought of; except that Philemon betrayed some little marks of
irritability on Lysander's shewing him the fac-simile wood-cuts of the
pieces and men in Caxton's edition of the game of chess, which are
published in the recent edition of the Typographical Antiquities of
our country.

Lisardo visited us betimes. His countenance, on his entrance gave
indication of vexation and disappointment--as well it might; for, on
his return home the preceding evening, he found the following note
from Lorenzo:--

"My dear Lisardo;

Our friend's visitors, Lysander and Philemon, are coming with their
host to eat old mutton, and drink old sherry, with me to-morrow; and
afterwards to discuss subjects of bibliography. I do not ask you to
join them, because I know your thorough aversion to every thing
connected with such topics. Adieu!

Truly yours,

LORENZO."

"Little," exclaimed Lisardo, "does he know of my conversion. I'll join
you uninvited; and abide by the consequences."