nfusion was not a little increased as the young gallant with great
dexterity transferred it to the point of his lance. At this choice of
his "lady love," a loud shout arose from the multitude; and Isabella,
now the object of universal regard, would have retired, but that the
density of the crowd, and the inconvenient structure of the building,
rendered it impossible.

Another flourish of trumpets announced the approach of the young Admiral
of Hainault. His armour was blue and white, beautifully wrought and
inlaid with silver. His steed was black, having the suit and furniture
of the war-horse complete. The _crouptiere_ and _estival_, together with
the _chanfron_, were of the most costly description. A plume of white
feathers decorated his casque, extending his athletic form into almost
gigantic proportions.

The needful ceremonies were gone through; a deep and almost breathless
silence succeeded, like the stillness that precedes the first swing of
the storm. The trumpets sounded; the sharp click of the lances was heard
falling into the rest; and the first rush was over. The noise of the
shock was like the burst of the tempest on the forest boughs. Through
the dust, the horses were seen to recoil upon their haunches; but as it
blew heavily away, the warriors had regained their upright position,
having sustained no injury, save by the shivering of their lances with
the stroke. A loud shout of applause ensued; and the esquires being at
hand with fresh weapons, each knight was too eager for the fray to lose
a moment in requesting the usual signal. Again their coursers' feet
seemed to spurn the earth. At this onset the French knight bent back in
his saddle, whether from subtlety or accident was not known, but there
was a loud clamour; and the Frenchman, recovering himself, spurred on
his steed with great vigour, perhaps hoping to take his adversary at
unawares; but the latter, darting aside with agility, the other's lance
ran full against the boards, and in deep vexation he came back to the
charge.

Trembling with choler, he hardly restrained himself until the prescribed
signal; then, as if he would make an end of his opponent, he aimed his
weapon with a direct thrust towards the heart; but Stanley, confident in
his own might, was fully prepared for the blow, as the event
sufficiently proved; for the French knight was seen to reel from his
saddle, the point of his enemy's lance being driven completely through
his armour.