A BOOK OF TOURNAMENTS.  No. 8351.  Folio.  This volume is in a perfect blaze of splendour.  Hither let PROSPERO and PALMERIN resort—­to choose their casques, their gauntlets, their cuirasses, and lances:  yea, let more than one-half of the Roxburghers make an annual pilgrimage to visit this tome!—­ which developes, in thirteen minutes, more chivalrous intelligence than is contained even in the mystical leaves of the Fayt of Arms and Chyvalrye of our beloved Caxton.  Be my pulse calm, and my wits composed, as I essay the description of this marvellous volume.  Beneath a large illumination, much injured, of Louis XI. sitting upon his throne—­are the following verses: 

Pour exemple aulx nobles et gens darmes Qui appetent les faitz darmes hautes Le Sire de gremthumse duyt es armes Volut au roy ce livre presenter.

Next ensue knights on horseback, heralds, &c.—­with a profusion of coat-armours:  each illumination occupying a full page.  On the reverse of the ninth leaf, is a most interesting illumination, in which is seen the figure of John Duke of Brittany.  He is delivering a sword to a king at arms, to carry to his cousin, the Duke of Bourbon; as he learns, from general report, that the Duke is among the bravest champions in Christendom, and in consequence he wishes to break a lance with him.

The illumination, where the Duke thus appears, is quite perfect, and full of interest:  and I make no doubt but the countenance of the herald, who is kneeling to receive the sword, is a faithful portrait.  It is full of what may be called individuality of character.  The next illumination represents the Duke of Bourbon accepting the challenge, by receiving the sword.  His countenance is slightly injured.  The group of figures, behind him, is very clever.  The ensuing illumination exhibits the herald offering the Duke de Bourbon the choice of eight coats of armour, to put on upon the occasion.  A still greater injury is here observable in the countenance of the Duke.  The process of conducting the tournay, up to the moment of the meeting of the combatants, is next detailed; and several illuminations of the respective armours of the knights and their attendants, next claim our attention.  On the reverse of the xxxijnd, and on the recto of the xxxiijd leaf, the combat of the two Dukes is represented.  The seats and benches of the spectators are then displayed:  next a very large illumination of the procession of knights and their attendants to the place of contest.  Then follows an interesting one of banners, coat armours, &c. suspended from buildings—­and another, yet larger and equally interesting, of the entry of the judges.

I am yet in the midst of the emblazoned throng.  Look at yonder herald, with four banners in his hand.  It is a curious and imposing sight.  Next succeeds a formal procession—­preparing for the combat.  It is exceedingly interesting, and many of the countenances are full of natural expression.  This is followed by a still more magnificent cavalcade, with judges in the fore-ground; and the “dames et damoiselles,” in fair array to the right.  We have next a grand rencontre of the knights attendant—­carried on beneath a balcony of ladies