: Royalty in All Ages The Amusements Eccentricities Accomplishments Superstitions and Frolics of the Kings and Queens of Europe by Thiselton Dyer T F Thomas Firminger - Europe Kings and rulers

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CHAP. PAGE

INDEX 433

LIST OF ETCHED PORTRAITS

ROYALTY

ROYALTY AT PLAY

In some cases, however, if we are to believe the traditions of history, chess has been responsible for some serious fracas. Thus a story is told of William the Conqueror, how when a young man he was invited to the Court of the French king, and during his stay there was one day engaged at chess with the King's eldest son, when a dispute arose concerning a certain move. William, annoyed at a certain remark made by his antagonist, struck him with the chess-board, which "obliged him to make a precipitate retreat from France to avoid the consequences of so rash an act."

De Foix, on hearing that the Queen of Scots had resolved on the marriage with her cousin Darnley, went to Elizabeth that he might discuss the matter. He found her at chess, and, profiting by the opportunity of discussing the matter, he said: "This game is an image of the words and deeds of men. If, for example, we lose a pawn, it seems but a small matter; nevertheless, the loss often draws after it that of the whole game."

The Queen replied, "I understand you. Darnley is but a pawn, but may well checkmate me if he be promoted."

As a warning against the perilous habit of playing chess with a wife, it is related of Ferrand, Count of Flanders, that, having constantly defeated the Countess, she conceived a hatred against him, which reached such a height that when the unfortunate Count was taken prisoner at the battle of Bouvines, she suffered him to remain a long time in prison, although, according to common report, she might easily have procured his release.

Don John of Austria had a room in his palace in which there was a chequered pavement of black and white marble, upon which living men attired in varied costumes moved under his direction according to the laws of chess. It is also related of a Duke of Weimar that he had squares of black and white marble, on which he played at chess with red soldiers.

Indeed, sovereigns, like other mortals, have sought recreation and a rest from the anxieties of life in sometimes what may seem the most childish amusements. One of Napoleon's favourite games, for instance, was blind-man's-buff, a pastime which, it may be remembered, Canning and Sir William Scott played with the Princess Caroline whilst at Montagu House. Napoleon, too, was very fond of children, and would carry the infant King of Rome in his arms, and standing in front of a mirror, make all kinds of grimaces in the glass. At breakfast he would take the child upon his knee, "dip his fingers in the sauce, and daub his face with it; the child's governess scolded, the Emperor laughed, and the child, always pleased, seemed to take delight in the rough caresses of his father."

"Because," replied the Count, "had there been any fault, all these gentlemen would have given it in favour of your Majesty."

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