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.
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