'At pulchrum est digito monstrari, et dicier HIC EST!'
that it could not surely have been altogether so very disagreeable to be pointed out as a distinguished person of rank, who was respected by the multitude, and one every way so deserving of it; and to hear their hoarse, but gladdened voices exclaim, 'make way there! room, room for the duke!"
"Certainly, Sir David, I entirely concur in this opinion with you; for methinks my good and kind master is somewhat too soon disposed to retire from this most wicked, sinister, and abominable world, and to be as sick, forsooth, of pomp and praise as ever Henri Quatré was of a partridge!"
The pleasure party for Tervuren Castle and park was thus arranged:—The duke, Sir Patricius, and Sir David, were on horseback, and led the van. Then followed one of the duke's carriages, with outriders, in which were the duke's sisters, the Ladies Letitia and Lucy, accompanied by two grand nieces of the Duchess Dowager d'Aremberg. Then came on another coach of the duke's, in which were seated the duchess and Lady Adelaide. Footmen, mounted, closed the cavalcade. The Duke d'Aremberg had been invited to the collation; but it appeared that he was gone into Holland, on a visit at the Hague, for which he had immediately departed, upon his proposals having been rejected by the Lady Adelaide.
The ancient chateau of Tervuren[50] had been built by the dukes of Brabant. It was situated in the forest of Soignies, and distant two leagues and a half from Brussels. It was remarkable for its antiquity, and all that sombrous magnificence which pertained to those castles, whose foundations were laid in the days of chivalry. It was circumvallated by a deep and extensive fosse, broad and deep enough almost indeed to be dignified with the name of lake. Four several draw-bridges connected the castle with the park, and pleasure-boats were stationed on the water. Here too was seen, sailing majestically along, the mild and gentle swan, the peaceful king of water birds, guarding his watery realm in tranquil peace, unawed by the bird of Jove, with whom he dares to combat, and even to conquer, although seeking not the conflict.[51]
Indeed the swans constituted the chief ornament of the artificial lakes that were dispersed through the park and pleasure-grounds, and besides animated and adorned the gloomy fosse that sullenly surrounded Tervuren Castle.
The grand saloon of this once royal residence was of an extraordinary size and dimensions. The ceiling and wainscot were formed of rich and beautifully carved oak, which attracted much admiration. There were also two other state apartments, the walls of which were decorated with tapestry from designs of Rubens and the younger Teniers. And exclusive of these three large state apartments, this once royal chateau could boast of no other internal splendour or decoration. The park, however, was fine, crowned with lofty woods, and the pleasure grounds adorned with the united efforts of taste and art, which failed not to yield delight to the spectator. Here, during the summer months, the duke and duchess and family, with parties of their friends, frequently visited; and having partaken of a cold dinner previously prepared, have strolled forth in the calm of evening, and lingered until a late hour amid the groves and pleasure grounds, listening with much delight to the warbling of the nightingale.
The entertainment given this day was at the sole expense of Sir Patricius Placebo, who felt exceedingly gratified thereat, as he expressed himself, for the permission thus granted him by his noble patron, and said:
"Accredit me, noble Sir, under your sage decidement, I flatter myself that this day's entertainment will sufficiently prove that there are those living who fully understand the scavoir vivre—ay, critically well as ever Lucullus or Apicius did; for, ahem,