The call to Grand Adventure was on! The Age of Discovery was still at hand! The Leadership of a talented and determined individual could still help determine the fate of nations and continents.
A number of great powers vied with another in Europe and increasingly around the globe. England, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Russia and Ottoman Turkey all raced neck and neck for supremacy in a high stakes horse race that saw the lead apparently change a number of times and which at the end of the century was still too close to call.
England began the century as a respected but still second rate power, though fresh from victory over the Spanish Armada. Under the leadership of King James I, King Charles I and many, many courageous individuals large and small, England began to seriously stake her claim to the New World. By 1640 small but successful colonies thrived in Virginia, at Plymouth Plantation, the Massachusetts Bay Colony, New Hampshire, Connecticut. New Haven, Rhode Island and Maryland competing well against their neighbors, the colonies of France, Holland, Sweden and Spain.
By 1642 all was at a crisis. The English Civil War was if anything much more complex than either of the other momentous conflicts to occur later between English speaking peoples, the American Revolution and the American Civil War. In fact the English Civil War would have repercussions that effected each of these later conflicts and that one could argue still echo into modern times.
Supporters of the King came to be known as "Royalists" or "Cavaliers" while supporters of Parliament were termed "Parliamentarians" or "Roundheads". Political, economic and religious questions as well as regional differences, class struggles, radical ideas and foreign influences were all thrown into the mix to create a highly volatile situation which changed appearances a number of times and in which some changed sides more than once as well. The nobility, country gentry and common folk were all quite divided. Good men of conscience and conviction were to be found on each side ... as were baser sorts intent on pillage and plunder. The majority of Puritans sided with Parliament but some notable Puritans leaders staunchly defended the King. Likewise, the majority of aristocrats probably supported the King yet a number of high rank went with Parliament. Even the Scots were separated, some fighting for and others against King or Parliament. Every section and class of English society was divided.
Americans became involved too with New Englanders mostly supporting Parliament while Virginians mostly supported the King. In fact it was due to Virginia's loyalty throughout this period that King Charles II later elevated her to the position of "royal dominion" along with England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Thus the origins of the term "The Old Dominion" used in reference to Virginia to this day.
We Make History's
7th Birthday &
50th Anniversary Party!
With the Cavaliers' Ball, We Make History celebrated our 7th Anniversary since our first historic Ball. The Cavaliers' Ball was also our 50th Historic Ball here in Arizona and 51st overall! Amazing isn't it? What a journey we have had! And there is so much more good to come. We publicly thank God for this vision and all the good that has been and will be accomplished through it.
Many friends from the 17th century (as well as a few from the 18th, 19th & 21st) came out and celebrated with us! Elizabethan, Jacobean, Restoration and Baroque styles were all to be seen as the Family of We Make History appeared as Cavaliers, Roundheads, Puritans, Pilgrims, Colonists, Scottish Highlanders and members of Europe's Royal and Aristocratic Families, all turning out colourfully for this 1600s themed evening celebrating important milestones for We Make History and the We Make History Family.
Cavaliers and Roundheads?
As the English Civil War broke out each side began using terms for one another which oddly enough were then embraced by those to whom they appertained.
"Cavalier" probably arose from the Latin or Spanish words for horseman and was originally intended as an allusion to atrocities committed by Spanish troops in Holland. The idea was to suggest a scathing comparison...
Through much of the 1600s men wore their hair shoulder length or longer. In the early days of the English Civil War some Parliamentarians took to cropping their hair short in what we might call a "bowl cut" and thus were scorned as "Roundheads".
But as time went by each group came to take pride in these very names that had been thrust upon them.
Fashions of the Centuries
"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again."
We've all heard this children's rhyme which we associate with a great sprawling egg. However, the historic origins of the verse are quite different and interesting indeed.
In 1648 the fortified town and castle of Colchester was garrisoned by Royalists (Cavaliers) and besieged by Parliamentarians (Roundheads). The Royalists had a massive cannon named Humpty Dumpty which was mounted on a wall. During the siege the wall was destroyed and Humpty Dumpty had "a great fall".
An attempt was made to lift Humpty Dumpty so it could be re-mounted and put back in position but Humpty was too heavy and "all the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again".
The Royalists eventually surrendered Colchester.
The term Jacobean deals particularly with the 17th century, that time when the House of Stuart reigned over both Scotland and England. A little history and a little Latin shall explain.
King James VI of Scotland had been king over that nation since 1567. King James was a member of the House of Stewart/Stuart which had ruled Scotland for several centuries and which was now to rule England for over a century as well. In 1603 Queen Elizabeth of England died and James inherited the throne of England where he was crowned King James I. From that point in time he ruled over both nations until his death in 1625. Notable events during the reign of King James I included the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the founding of the colonies of Virginia in 1607 and Plymouth in 1620. He is most remembered however for desiring and authorizing a new translation of the Bible into English. This "Authorized" version was first published in 1611 and has been popularly known as the "King James" version ever since. It was during the reign of King James I that the Thirty Years War broke out in Europe (1618-1648). But though many English and Scottish officers gained valuable military experience as volunteers fighting for other nations, particularly in the Swedish Army of King Gustavus Adolphus, yet on a national level England and Scotland stayed clear of the struggle.
After the reign of King James I came that of his son King Charles I who reigned from 1625-1649. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded during his reign as well as the colonies of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maryland. The English Civil War began in 1642 with "Cavaliers" or "Royalists" supporting the King and "Roundheads" supporting Parliament during this complex but colourful struggle. The "Roundheads" were victorious in the end, Charles was executed in 1649, and his son, the future Charles II found refuge on the European Continent as Oliver Cromwell and Parliament took the reigns of power.
During the "Commonwealth" (1649-1660), the period of rule by Cromwell and/or Parliament, there was no reigning king, thus these years are also known as the "Interregnum" (Latin for "between kings"). To this day "Lord Protector" Oliver Cromwell is the most debated figure in British history. These years saw the exodus of many Royalists (Cavaliers) to America, most notably to Virginia which had been very sympathetic to the royal cause in the late Civil War whereas the colonies of New England had been very sympathetic to the cause of Parliament. (The whole polarized north-south thing in America goes way, way back!) This period also saw the beginning of the intermittent but enormous naval struggles known as the Anglo-Dutch Wars.
In 1660 the "Restoration" occurred when Charles II was invited to return from exile and assume the throne. But even previous to this point a representative had been sent to Charles by Virginia asserting that Virginians still recognized him as the Stuart heir and thus the rightful king and inviting him to come and reign as king in Virginia until the rest of his realm could be restored. Though he did not follow through on the offer, the crowns being reclaimed shortly afterwards, yet due to his appreciation of the loyalty of Virginia, once the "Restoration" was complete King Charles II honoured Virginia by naming her a royal "Dominion" along with England, Scotland and Ireland. Thus Virginia has had the honour of being known as the "Old Dominion" to this very day. King Charles II also authorized the establishment of a colony to the south of Virginia which was named Carolina in his honour, Carol being Latin for Charles. The settlement which was to become the colony's capital was also named in his honour. This was Charles Towne, which is today's Charleston, South Carolina, the colony having later been divided into North Carolina and South Carolina. King Charles II ruled from 1660-1685.
Next in line was King James II (younger brother of Charles II) who assumed the throne from 1685 until the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688. Before becoming king this James held the title of Duke of York. When the English captured the town of Nieuw Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664 it was renamed New York in his honour.
In the Latin language "James" is translated as "Jacobus" thus the period from the reign of King James I through that of King James II is often known as the Jacobean era. After King James II was overthrown William and Mary came to power. But those who continued to support the claims of direct succession of the House of Stuart to the crowns of Scotland and England became know as "Jacobites". Repeated efforts to restore this family line to the thrones of Scotland and England were very much a part of European power politics until the defeat of Charles Edward Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie"), grandson of King James II, at the battle of Culloden in 1746.
But what of Jacobean Fashion?
The Jacobean era of the 17th century covers a number of fashion changes. Even very early in the period men were wearing breeches. The breeches of the period were fly front and a looser fit than the future 18th century variety. Around 1600 they were often ballooned in the upper part but this soon passed and a more symmetrical shape was adopted. Sometimes breeches fastened snugly below the knee and sometimes they simply hung loose, perhaps being decorated by a lace fringe around the bottom of each leg opening. The ruff of the early part of the era gave way to the "falling bands" type collar that one tends to associate with the Pilgrims. Misleading stereotypes of Puritans in drab garb notwithstanding, this was undoubtedly the most colourful and ostentatious era in all of history for men who could afford to be fashionable. Bright colours, ribands (ribbons), frills, lace, large hats of varying styles and large plumes were all worn as was ostentatiously long hair. In fact it was during this period that wigs came into fashion for men. Poor King Louis XIII of France went prematurely bald at a time when it was fashionable for men to wear their hair down far below their shoulders. The King of France must be fashionable - so he has a large, long wig made. Others quickly imitated him and wigs in various forms would be fashionable for men for the next 175 years or so. This was also a period when men went about wearing the type of sword known as the rapier. It is the era of the "Three Musketeers" of "Lorna Doone" and of the first golden age of Caribbean piracy.
Ladies' fashions transitioned from the Elizabethan look with its "farthingale" corset, barrel shaped petticoat and large ruff to a high-waisted gown worn with short, curled hair at the time of the English Civil War and then back to a very long-waisted gown and long, flowing hair. All ladies wore stays (corsets) though the shape and length changed through the period. Necklines could be square or oval in the early and middle parts of the era though oval much predominated in the latter part.
The Puritans are worth a mention here as they played a large role in the early English settlements in America and were thickly involved in the political and religious debates that preceded and followed the English Civil War. History has often unkindly stereotyped the Puritans as being drab in their attire and dour in their countenances. Some did fit this pattern but overall the classification is unfair as many more did not. Puritans believed in modesty within the context of whatever social level to which they believed that God had assigned them. Puritan members of the nobility dressed in finery but perhaps not to the extent of some of their more splendidly garbed fellow aristocrats. Puritan commoners wore a number of colours (not just black and white) but were modestly fashionable within their means and social level. Puritan men tended to wear shoulder length hair - which was after all shorter than the length at which many men wore their hair through the last 3/4 of the 17th century - and some even cropped it up around their ears, thus engendering the term "roundhead". In summation, the Puritans dressed just as other people except that for modesty's sake they tended to be toned down (according to their respective social levels) in terms of ostentation and finery. (The words "modest" and "modesty" had almost completely different connotations then than now ... but that as they say ... is another story.) But did Puritans dance? Why yes! John Playford, the most distinguished dancing master of the period - was a Puritan!
The best simple visual Jacobean Fashion resource we know of for laymen is actually a colouring book! Go to your favourite online bookseller and type in a search for ISBN #0486433331.
For those desiring to sew Jacobean attire be warned that good patterns are almost non-existent. However, we have discovered a few offerings representing this era. Write for details.
Also and otherwise .... Study period artwork from the reign of King Charles I and the English Civil War or go a bit earlier to the time of King James I or the reign of Elizabeth I or a bit later to the "Restoration" era of King Charles II - and then go freestyle, designing if you have the skills to do so. The movie "Cromwell" has some very good costuming circa the 1640s, right in the heart of the Jacobean era, and might be a good source for ideas. Polish your language skills as well. 17th century English is beautiful! The King James Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and the works of Shakespeare are excellent sources.
Thee & Thou
17th century English is beautiful! Polish your language skills. The King James Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and the works of Shakespeare are all excellent sources.
For the sake of the scholars, character actors and historically insatiable among us I present the following partial list of interesting personalities of the 17th Century.
America
Capt. John Smith
Pocahontas
John Rolfe
Powhatan
Opechancanough
William Bradford
Massassoit
Miles Standish
Tisquantum ("Squanto")
Roger Williams
Peter Stuyvesant
Peter Minuit
Johan Printz
Leonard Calvert
Sir William Berkeley
Nathaniel Bacon
Metacomet ("King Phillip")
Benjamin Church
England
King James I
Sir Anthony Van Dyck
Inigo Jones
King Charles I
Queen Henrietta Maria
Prince Rupert of the Rhine
Oliver Cromwell
John Bunyan
King Charles II
Sir Christopher Wren
King James II
The Duke of Monmouth
King William III & Queen Mary II
Europe
Gustavus Adolphus
Cardinal Richelieu
Louis XIV
Galileo
Emperor Ferdinand II
Albrecht von Wallenstein
Abel Tasman
Abri van Braaks
John III Sobieski
Michiel de Ruyter
Maarten Tromp
Miguel de Cervantes
Rembrandt de Rijn
Anne of Austria
Kascha von Opling
Johannes Vermeer
John Locke
Samuel de Champlain
It is worth noting that it was during the 17th century that coffee and tea came into widespread use in Europe. Most tea came from China and the trade was very lucrative thus the saying relating to "all the tea in China" meaning a great sum of wealth. After the Turks were defeated at the Siege of Vienna the victorious Austrians discovered bags of strange beans left behind in the abandoned Turkish camps. Legend has it that Turkish prisoners showed them how to make use of the beans and the next thing you know there were cafes in Vienna, then all over Europe and eventually a Starbuck's in nearly every neighborhood in America. Be that as it may, your servant's humble opinion is that the use of the beans has been most perfected as of yet by the Italians. Thus my predilection toward Lavazza and Illy.
While I am at it... It is also worthwhile to mention another popular gentleman's drink of the 17th and 18th centuries. In those days chocolate was not something you ate but rather something you drank. A cup of molten chocolate was considered an excellent and healthful breakfast.
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Cavalier Commentary
Cavorting Cavaliers, Prancing Parliamentarians, Reeling Royalists & Roundheads...
... what earthly joys pursued as all made merry in the charitable amiability of dance and song!
To be certain the Cavaliers' Ball was one of the most colourful assemblies we have yet seen as We Make History celebrated its 7th birthday of historic dance and 50th Ball to be held in Arizona.
"Let Us Make Merry" was indeed the watchword of all parties (both Royalists and Parliamentarians as well as a few visitors from the 18th, 19th & 21st centuries) as we laughed, shouted, smiled and cheered our way through an evening of 17th century joy.
The spectacle was a grand one and in no small part due to the remarkable efforts of the We Make History Family in appearing in the grand apparel of the 1600s while adopting the interesting blend of high propriety and spontaneous merriment which add so much to the interest of the period.
In fact the Cavaliers' Ball and Jamestown Ball having been so colourful and enjoyable - while adding a new and interesting time period to the We Make History family to explore - that we intend to return again to the period next year and already have an idea for the 2009 incarnation of our now annual 17th century festivities.
Imagine a Grand Colonial Ball in which representatives of each colonial power in the New World of the 17th century as well as chiefs or spokesmen of Native American tribes all join together to share their stories and perspectives while enjoying an evening of dance and frolic? A Grand Congress and Ball featuring the leaders of New England, New France, New Sweden, New Amsterdam, English Virginia, Spanish Florida and Portuguese Brazil along with native luminaries such as Powhatan or Massasoit would be both fascinating and enjoyable indeed.
In the meantime...
Please send us a note with your favourite memories and experiences from the Cavaliers' Ball. We shall sea you next month on the High Seas…
I remain
as it be within my power
and good conscience
a servant
to all.
Lord Scott the Elder
circa 1642
------------------------------------------------------
My Dearest Lord And Lady
Scott,
I dare say I am the happiest Puritan in all the colonies! Thou hast once
again given us a night of many beautiful memories, and I thank thee with a
joyous heart and humble gratitude!
I am not sure if thou witnessed it, but inspired by the joyous sounds of our
players, some of the ladies and I invented a new dance during a pause for
refreshment -- circling left inwards and outward, then right the same. Then
one or two of us takes the centre and displays some elegant footwork as we
slip left and right in a circle about them. They rejoin the circle, and thy
dance repeats with another taking the centre as in a game. We decided to name
it, "The Cavalier's Fancy!"
This also marked thy first time a lady has accompanied me to a ball at mine
invitation. This was her first ball, and she was a bit nervous, but I assured
her everyone would welcome her with open hearts and arms.
And true to my word, thy family of We Make History did honour and uplift her
and put her fears at ease, even through thy difficult steps. I gave her much
encouragement, but thy words from mine lips would have rung hollow if it had
not been for thy support of all. Huzzah! Huzzah!
I give thanks to thy LORD for all he hath given us,
and for thy opportunities
to share in merry fellowship!
May GOD bless thine continuing efforts and bring thy plans to fruition!
May GOD bless and watch o'er all of us!
Ah... supposeth John Bunyan met John Playford. What would he hath drempt?
Your Friend And Humble Servant,
And Blessed To Be So,
Christopher The Prancing Puritan
Tucson
-----------------------------------------------------------
May 8th, 1642
Lord Scott:
I doth had a most enjoyable time at the Ball held during ye recent truce and
ceasefire between the King's and our Parliamentarian forces.
Though verily it seemed to be mostly attended by those from the King's side,
there were some there supporting Cromwell and our Parliamentarian
cause--notably Squire Christopher visiting from Massachusetts colony --
including a couple of the fair maidens whom I was happy to make better
acquaintance thereof.
The dancing was most pleasant, though a few of our guests seemed to be
unfamiliar with the styles of the year of our Lord 1642. Prithee, what would
they have made of a good, rousing Morris Dance?
Forsooth, I must doth tie off for now. ‘Twould seem Lord Essex and I -- as
well as the other Regimental staffs -- must now meet with Cromwell himself,
something about a re-organization and a "New Model Army."
Will probably see you at Naseby (from the other side)…
YMHOS & Ezekiel 25:17
Ashe Quatermass The Younger,
Aide-de-Camp, Essex's Regiment (Parliamentarian)
Dunwich, Essex
----------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Scott - I had a most delightful time and I look forward to the next ball. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WE MAKE HISTORY!!
It is easy to take good photos when the subjects are amazing. In the dancing photos - note the Joy seen on the faces or in the step.
I Remain,
Your Friend and Obedient Servant,
Sir Michael
Phoenix
-----------------------------------------------------
Sir,
This last dance there was an early ancestor of the Virginia Reel with 2 sets of 4 couples that I thought was easy enough to remember how it went and lots of fun and giggling. Really liked. Would like doing it some more.
Thank you for all you do.
Squire Steven G.
------------------------------------------
Greetings.
We had a marvelous time at the Cavaliers’ Ball last night!
What a neat birthday present for Sandara, surrounded by loved ones and doing one of her favorite things, dancing at an historical ball.
We are hoping to attend the Flagstaff Highland Ball like last year, that was very fun!
Thanks again for a great night! The people are always so nice and we always have such a fabulous time!!
Shelley O.
Phoenix
------------------------------------------------------------------
The progress recounted
by Christopher the Prancing Puritan at
The Cavaliers' Ball as presented by
We Make History -- and recounted as
John Bunyan might have witnessed it.
I lighted in a certain desert place where was shade, and as I laid me down to
sleep I dreamed a dream.
I dreamed, and behold, I saw a man clothed in brown and white, a flat-brimmed
hat upon his head, and satin garters round his knees. I looked and saw him
lead a lady clothed in modern stylish black by his right hand, his left hand
stately at his hips. And right away I knew he drempt as well, warm with
expectations of capering about.
And then I saw a Cavalier remove his sword before he took his lady's hand. And
there I paused, recalling thoughts of civil war, of Cavaliers and Roundheads.
But then I saw him begin to lead a long procession of the two disparate sides,
and they were joined by allies far and wide in frivolity. He weaved them about
into a labyrinth; but, behold, he doth led them out again into a circle.
And I saw him call the ladies and the gents in turn to step forward and back,
and I saw Christopher -- for this was the name of this Pilgrim clothed in
brown and white -- skip out and loose his happiness. The Cavalier called on
the merry ones by the colour of their dress to present themselves, and I saw
ladies dressed in hoopskirt gowns emerge with grace as if in the presence of
the king.
As lay there dreaming, I saw the many arrange themselves in sets and walk back
and forth in a double, as their Caller directed, and dance a tiny jig to their
partners, turning themselves in place. Then I saw the Pilgrim cross back and
forth across the set, changing places with his lady, whom I perceived a bit
confused by some new figures. Yet she endeavoured to follow each step, and her
partner was not dismayed as he encouraged her with smiles and words of
thanksgiving after he honoured her with a regal bow.
"Each dance builds upon the next," I heard the Pilgrim explain to his lady,
and lo, in my dream, I saw he told no falsehood as they proceeded into
Sellenger's Round.
"Ah," I heard him say in mirth of familiarity upon the mention of the dance,
and I saw couples step in and out of one great circle and then turn each other
and repeating the tiny jig.
Then the gathered multitudes formed up in sets again, in groups of six, for
"The Black Nag." The players broke into a jauntily wistful melody, and the
couples sashayed back and forth in order, then siding and changing places
along their line. I saw in my dream Christopher skipping for joy at every
opportunity to slip to the other side, although he walked a hey for three with
caution, a bit uncertain of the figure but determined to keep the elegant
form, passing his neighbours by the left and right shoulders in a figure
eight.
"May I escort you somewhere, my lady?" he asked his partner upon conclusion of
the dance. And I saw he rarely left her side, watching o'er her and attending
to her refreshment.
Tea and punch did much to reinvigorate the gathering, and they were eager to
dance in spite of peculiar moments where the capering mysteriously suspended.
I saw a circle dance progressing through two parts, with the ladies and the
gentlemen took turns skipping and clapping; but mysteriously, the third did
not emerge. The players began it once again, but still it halted prematurely;
and the Pilgrim wondered if thievery was afoot.
But on they danced, and the Pilgrim and his lady found themselves immersed in
a set of unfamiliar weaving figures neither one of them did understand. Now I
saw that Christopher had walked through it, and he thought his steps were
proper. Alas, he and his lady soon found they were mistaken when their fancy
motions did not conform to those of their neighbours.
"What shall I do?" lamented the Pilgrim in silence as they stood in place
during the parts they understood not. And I could see him struggle to obscure
his countenance of disappointment, ashamed to be such a poor example to his
lady.
But lo, I saw their neighbors step in to correct them and lead them on,
helping them to salvage their merriment before the dance concluded. And his
lady, although tempted by the thought of surrendering to defeat, danced on
with him, and the Pilgrim bowed to her in gratitude in the end, thankful to
His Creator that he was Blessed to dance with a lady of Great Patience.
Then I saw his joy return when the Caller doth announced a favourite dance of
his: "Come, Let Us Be Merry!"
"This dance I do know," he reassured his lady and his neighbours as they
formed a set of three couples. And true to his word, the Pilgrim took great
pride in leading his lady through the elegant honours and casting off around
the other couples before leading her between them before joining hands in a
circle of six and progressing around into new places.
And then I saw some moments of invention. As others repaired to the room of
refreshments, a number of ladies and gentlemen remained behind, and the Caller
taught them a dance much waltz-like in its movements, even though the steps
appeared more suitable to minuets from a time yet to arrive. The Pilgrim stood
alone, his lady excusing herself for powder, but I saw he could not resist the
urge to dance as the players filled the air with music. So he walked in
graceful steps and dipped his knees in three-quarter rhythm, dancing with an
unseen lady as he thought of that minuet to come.
And to his side, several ladies held hands, stepping in and out as they
circled round, and Christopher joined eagerly joined them, no longer satisfied
to dance alone. And the ladies varied their steps, circling in a different
direction after a suitable number of beats, and then skipping about after
several beats more. And then I saw a pair of ladies take the centre of the
circle, dancing in the middle as the others circled round them, repeating the
motions once again. Then the Pilgrim and two others took the centre when the
dance repeated once more. And wherefore, they found they had created a new
dance!
"We must name this dance!" a lady exclaimed upon the conclusion.
"How about The Cavaliers' Fancy?" I heard the Pilgrim suggest, whereas I
gather he put his loyalties to Parliament aside to honour of the Host of the
celebration.
Wherefore the gathered agreed upon the name with much delight, they were eager
to teach the dance to anyone.
I saw the Pilgrim demonstrate his knowledge of a reel, as he linked arms with
ladies in a dance called "Willow Tree."
And I saw the happy multitude link arms again to honor those born in April and
May, along with a new professor of Oxford, having completed his studies and
standing before us in his graduation gown.
And then I saw the Cavalier draw names for prizes: fine delicacies of Denmark
and Flanders (and graciously, not Vanity Fair). He held the grand prize up,
and I saw a tin of Flemish chocolates. Then he drew a name and announced the
winner...
"Christopher!"
"Huzzah!" I heard the Pilgrim cry as he claimed his prize.
”Do you have someone to share the chocolate with on the long carriage ride
back?”, I heard the Cavalier ask.
"Ohhhh, yea..." the Pilgrim responded with mirth of confidence.
The call went out for The Pineapple Dance, and I saw Christopher explain it to
his lady: "This is the easiest dance you will do all night!" He explained it
briefly, but the dance taught itself.
Wherefore a dance loved by all is worth dancing again, I saw everyone joining
in a reprise of "The Black Nag," and the Pilgrim reminding his neighbours of
the figures.
And then I saw the couples dancing in a waltz, anticipating a style of the
future; and the Pilgrim led his lady in a progression side by side around the
room, stepping in and out before they drew together into a two-step. She
recalled it had been a long time since she had waltzed in a box step. And once
again, he bowed to her in deep gratitude.
Several times I heard him compliment his lady on her dancing, wherefore she
said to him, "Oh, you are just being nice." But he refused to accept any other
characterization, and he paid honour to her without hesitation.
Then in my dream I saw him standing in his white and brown attire, lamenting
the end of the frivolities; and then I saw him lay to sleep with joy of dance
abundant in his heart.
So I awoke, and behold it was a dream...
...but only for me.
NEXT:
Treasured Moments
Please also see our “Etiquette & Expectations” page as well as our "All About Us" page.
Chief of a Highland Clan
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Prancing Puritan
