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the ribbands or favours of their ladies. It was in the power of the
ladies to propose prizes for which the knights were to contend, by
running at the ring. This, I believe, is the only instance in our
days of an attempt being made to restore a species of diversion,
which for several ages had fallen into disuse, though in former
times it was extremely popular. It was suited to the manners of
that period in which it flourished, and productive not only of
pleasure but real utility. This can at present scarcely be supposed to
be the case, as the mode of warfare and the spirit of heroism now
existing, seem to require exercise and accomplishments of a very
different kind. It is not easy to ascertain precisely the epoch
when tournaments were first instituted, nor can we with certainty
determine on the patron to whom the honour of the invention is
due. It is claimed by the English, the French, and Germans:
yet we may so far fix the time, as to assume that tournaments
began to be known about the ninth century, and that they are of
eastern origin. In the early period of the institution, it was not
usual for females to attend at the tournaments, but subsequently
they overcame their reluctance to scenes of bloodshed, and never
failed to form a considerable part of the circle of spectators. No
doubt their presence added greatly to the brilliancy of the
assemblage, and contributed much to the repute and continuation of
this barbarous institution.
It may be observed, that the name tournament was originally
bestowed upon all kinds of military combats and exercises, achieved,
according to certain reculations, by a number of knights and their
squires, both for amusement and to shew their valour and activity.
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