Alexandria Gazette

CASTLE.

"Now all the youth of England are on fire,
And silken dalliance in the wardrobe lies;
Now thrive the armorers, and honor's thought
Reigns solely in the breast of every man."

The grand preparations making for the tournament at Eglinton Castle, which is fixed to take place on the 28th of August, and the two following days, is at present the all-engrossing subject of conversation with lords and ladies fair and bright. This day week was the last practising day, when the gardens of the Eyre Arms Tavern, St. John's-wood, were honored with the presence of upwards of three thousand persons of distinction, for the purpose of viewing the prowess of knights of the nineteenth century. The gardens were opened for the admission of the nobility and gentry at three o'clock. We have, on a former occasion, given a sketch of the appearance presented by the lists—the scene enlivened by party-colored pavilions and flaunting banners, and the spirits excited by the braying of trumpets. On the present occasion there was no change. On each side of the ground were elevated benches for the accommodation of the spectators. At the extreme end were three tents, where the knights were equipped. At the opposite end a marquee was erected for the royal family and principal nobility. The ground was furnished with a barrier, and all the other appurtenances of the ancient tilting-yard. By four o'clock the benches were crowded with a splendid assemblage of the rank and beauty of this metropolis. Her royal highness the Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by the Princess Augusta and Mary of Cambridge, arrived shortly before four, attended by Baron Knesebeck and the Hon. Miss Kerr. Her royal highness was received immediately on her arrival by the Earl of Eglinton, Earl of Wilton, &c. The practice then commenced with running at the Quintain. The Hon. Captain Gage, Lord Glenlyon, Viscount Alford, the Hon. Captain Maynard, &c., eminently distinguished themselves by the force of their attacks. The horsemanship of the Hon. Captain Maynard was much praised,—Viscount Alford and Lord Glenlyon received falls during the afternoon. The young Marquis of Worcester, who very successfully pierced the oranges with his spear through his horse shying, was thrown, but, we are happy to state, not hurt by the fall.

"Come hither, herald—Let the trumpet sound—
And read out this."

At a quarter to six the marshal of the lists (Lord Gage) made the subjoined proclamation, preparatory to the Earl of Eglinton and Viscount Alford entering the lists.

"No knight to ride more than three courses with the same opponent, in which advantage of any kind gained twice by the same lance decides the victory; so that if these be gained in the two first, the victory is decided, as in heats at a race.

"N. B.—In default of other advantage gained in any course, the judge will decide for the attempt made nearest to the centre of the shield.

"It is expressly ordered by the Earl of Eglinton, and must be distinctly understood by each knight upon engaging to run a course, that he is to strike his opponent on no other part than the shield; and that an atteint made elsewhere, will be adjudged foul, and the match forfeited.

"Particular attention is most earnestly requested to be paid to this injunction, as any untoward accident might throw discredit upon it, or even prevent its ever again taking place, by force of law or public opinion.

"No knight can be permitted to ride without having on the whole of his tilting pieces.

"Lances of equal length, substance and quality, as far as can be seen, will be delivered to each knight, and none others will be allowed.

Gage, Marshal of the lists."

[London paper.]