The “penthalum” having been concluded, the populace retired into several booths which were appropriated to refreshments. The shows then re-commenced; those not already described were principally devoted to the exhibition of wild animals, an entertainment which the vicar considered as sanctioned by the highest classical authority; although he, at once, rejected a proposition made by the major, to render the amusement still more in accordance with ancient custom, by encouraging a fight between a lion and a tiger.
The hour had now arrived for the grand banquet; and, by the command of the major, the band paraded the fair, playing the inviting tune of “Oh, the roast beef of Old England.” The populace hastened to the tent, and each took his place according to the number upon his ticket.
We shall not detain our readers by an account of the dinner; it will be sufficient to state, in the language generally used upon such occasions, that the whole went off with great eclat, and gave universal satisfaction to the delighted guests.
For the amusement of his military friends, the major had made arrangements for reviving the ancient game of quintain. It may be necessary to state that the quintain is a pastime of high antiquity. It was originally nothing more than the trunk of a tree, or a post set up for the practice of young beginners in chivalry. Afterwards a staff, or spear, was fixed in the earth, and a shield, hung upon it, was the mark to strike at. The dexterity of the performer consisted in smiting the shield in such a manner as to break the fastening and to bring it to the ground. In process of time, this diversion was much improved; instead of the staff and shield, a grotesque wooden figure was introduced, and it was so contrived to move upon a pivot, that if it were struck unskilfully, it would turn out and give the performer a severe blow. The quintain which the major had prepared for the present occasion consisted of a wooden figure, fixed upon a pivot, and holding in its outstretched arm a bag of flower. Those who ran at it, and missed it, were of course laughed at; while those who struck the figure full with his lance gave the beam a sudden whirl; and unless he was very nimble, was covered with flower from the bag which was thus brought into contact with him.
The reader must now be contented to retire from the scene of frolic, and leave the villagers to the undisturbed enjoyment of their jollity. The major and his party returned to the house, where they remained until the hour approached at which the fire-works were to be discharged, and the festivities of the day concluded. Mr. Seymour accompanied his children to the stage, erected for the pyrotechnic exhibition, in order that he might explain the construction of the fire-works before they witnessed them in action.
“Upon my word, the major has provided most liberally for our entertainment!” exclaimed Mr. Seymour, as he ascended the steps which led to the platform. “I declare there is a forest of rockets! and what magnificent Pin-wheels, Tourbillions, Marroons, Pots des Aigrettes, Gerbes, Courantins, and Roman Candles.”
“Are those paper cylinders, with long sticks, rockets?” enquired Tom.
“They are; and if you will attend to me, I will explain the principle of their construction. They have ever been considered as holding the first place amongst single fire-works, and deservedly so; not only on account of the splendid appearance they present when fired by themselves, but from their extensive application in increasing the beauty of other exhibitions. The rocket, you perceive, consists of a strong paper cylinder, which is filled with a suitable composition; it is crowned with a head, or ‘pot,’ as it is technically termed, charged with various materials, which throws out sparks, stars, and other decorations, as soon as it takes fire in the air, after the body of the rocket has been consumed. You may observe that the head is made to terminate in a point, which greatly facilitates its passage through the air. The whole is affixed to a straight stick, which, like the rudder of a ship, makes it turn to that side towards which it is inclined, and consequently causes the rocket to ascend in a straight line.”
“But, papa,” observed Louisa, “all the rockets have not straight rods; see, there is one, with a crooked stick.”
“That is for the purpose of causing the rocket to ascend in the form of a screw: the first effect of the bent rod will be to make the rocket incline towards that side to which it is bent; but its centre of gravity bringing it afterwards into a vertical situation, the result of these two opposite efforts will be, that the rocket will ascend in a zig-zag or spiral form. In this case, however, since it displaces a greater volume of air, and describes a longer line, it will not ascend so high as if it had been impelled in a straight direction; but I think you will admit that, on account of the singularity of this motion, it produces a very agreeable effect.”