the bloody spectacle of brave men falling by each other's hands. Even in our own days, when morals are better understood, an execution, a braising match, a riot, or a meeting of radical reformers, collects at considerable hazard to themselves immense crowds of spectators, otherwise little interested, excepting to see how matters are to be conducted, or whether the heroes of the day are, in the heroic language of insurgent tailors, flints or dunghills.
The eyes, therefore, of a very considerable multitude were bent on the gate of the Preceptory of Templestowe, with the purpose of witnessing the procession; while still greater numbers had already surrounded the tilt-yard belonging to that establishment. This inclosure was formed on a piece of ground adjoining to the Preceptory, which had been levelled with care, for the exercise of military and chivalrous sports. It occupied the brow of a soft and gentle eminence, was carefully palisaded around, and, as the Templars willingly invited spectators to be witnesses of their skill in feats of chivalry,
