Mr. James Payn on Chess.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 152, 24 December 1897, Page 5 (Supplement)

Mr. James Payn on Chess.

There is a certain nobility about chess which pertains to no other game. It is one of the oldest games in the world, eaid to have been invented to remind an Eastern tyrant that kings are indebted for their safety to the humblest of their subjects. It is in no degree (writes Mr. James Payn in the Illustrated London News) dependent upon popularity, and seems to despise it. It is difficult to imagine a great player otherwise than at least respectable ; he gives the impression (while at work) of being a Stoio philosopher. It is impossible to imagine him running away with anybody's wife, or doing anything ' not on the square.' The immense importance he attaches to the game is inconceivable to an outsider. He moves as though his ' moves were death ' (as was said of ' Captain Sword'). Seneca relates a curious Btory illustrative of this. One Canius Julius is playing at chess, when a centurion, with a troop of men condemned to death, comes up and reminds him that he has to join them. Not having finished, he rose and eaid sternly to his opponent, "Beware when I am dead that thou beliest me not, and say tbou hast won the game.' Then bowing to the centurion, he added, ' Bear me witness that I have the advantage by one.' I suppose one piece.

IVTr. Sampson (passionately) : ' I love you devotedly, Miss Ohumley, but my pecuniary affairs have prevented my making a declaration until now. But I have put enough away now to feel justified in asking you to become my wife.' Miss Chumley (hesitatingly, but sweetly) : ' I confess that I am not wholly indifferent to you, but— but ' 'But what, dear?' 'Would you mind telling me how much you have put away ?' A Shocking Affair. — A galvanic battery.