THE PIONEERS.
crocus peeped out from its snow-covered bed,
In a wood where the red robins sing,
And sighed, 'I could fancy, where brown leaves are spread
I heard the first footfall of Spring.'
And e'en while it spoke, from a tree-top above
There fluttered the song of the Wind:
'I come from the south, with a message of love,
And the Spring follows closely behind.'
Then while the soft echo was stealing along,
The snow melted gently away,
And over the meadow a bee's early song
Told stories of April and May.
The bluebell and primrose are blossoming fast,
And see, where the snow-drifts still cling,
The Sun his rich mantle has gallantly cast
At the feet of her Majesty, Spring.
SMITHFIELD TOURNAMENTS.
Many Chatterbox readers have, no doubt, visited Smithfield, and others have seen pictures of it as it was in the olden time, when it was known by its executions and burnings. Upon St. Bartholomew's Eve, 1305, Sir William Wallace was put to death under the elms, a large clump of which then stood on one side of the open space. At Smithfield, too, Wat Tyler met King Richard II. on June 15th, 1381, when he received his death-blow from the Lord Mayor of London. In more recent years it was familiar to the public as a big cattle market, now fortunately removed to a better spot north of London. Evidently, too, it was for centuries a very favourite resort with the citizens, the name at first, so historians think, being 'Smoothfield.' The level open space was turfed, and made suitable for horse exercise and a variety of sports.
During the Middle Ages our kings had a palace in the city, and many of the nobles built themselves houses within the walls, or not far off. For some centuries tournaments were forbidden on account of their danger, and they were seldom held in England till after the reign of Richard I. The position of Smithfield was very convenient for holding jousts and tournaments. None but those who were esquires or knights were allowed to take part in these contests, which usually celebrated some important event, such as a royal marriage or a great victory. These tournaments gave an opportunity for a display of courtesy and chivalry. Galleries were arranged for ladies, and one in particular was chosen to preside, who was usually called the 'Queen of Beauty.' If any dispute arose, this lady settled it, and she also gave away the prizes awarded to the victors. A remarkable tournament was held in 1374 at Smithfield. A grand procession was started from the Tower; the King rode first in a triumphal chariot, followed by a number of ladies on horseback, each of whom had a knight leading her horse by the bridle. Many gallant feats of arms were performed, and the tournament lasted a week.