The subject of the tournament was the Wars of
Granada, and the cavaliers represented the Spaniards and the Moors.
Monseigneur rode a tilt with the Due de Bourbon, and Messieurs de
Vendome and de Brionne rode at the same time to make the figure. . . .
There were three courses run for the prize, which was won by the Prince
de Lorraine. It was a sword ornamented with diamonds, and he received
it from the hand of the King. After the tournament all the cavaliers
conducted the King to the courtyard of the chateau, lance in hand, and
the heads of the companies saluted him with their swords.
"On the fifth, a second tournament was held, and, in spite of the bad
weather, the King found it more beautiful than the first. Many ladies
were present. The Russian envoys, who had not seen the previous fete,
occupied seats at the King's right. During a shower, the spectators
retired quickly, but as soon as it had passed, all the seats were
filled again. The Marquis de Plumartin won the prize. It was a sword
adorned with diamonds, but more costly than that won by the Prince de
Lorraine."
The Fete of Kings celebrated each year was a brilliant affair at
Versailles. Then the Hall of Mirrors and Salons of War and Peace were
illumined by hundreds upon hundreds of twinkling tapers, while over the
floor glided a throng of slippered feet to the beat of strings and
hautboys. At the suppers, which preceded and followed the dancing,
seventy-two Swiss guards served the guests, each one distinguished by a
ribbon corresponding with the color of the table to whose service he
was assigned.
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