He looked gracefully round, first lowering his lance in front of the king’s pavilion, and afterwards to the fair dames who crowded the galleries on each side.  Whether from accident or design his eyes rested on Isabella with a strong expression of earnestness rather than curiosity.  Doubtless, the noble representatives of the house of Lathom excited no slight interest among the spectators, and the young hero might have formed some yet undeveloped anticipations on this head.

She blushed deeply at this public and unexpected notice.  The recollection of her dream made the full tide of feeling set in at once in this direction, much to her consternation and dismay; but when, happening to turn hastily round, a silken bandage, loosened by the sudden movement from some part of her dress, was carried off by the wind and deposited within the lists, she was greatly embarrassed; and her confusion 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.