Robesbiere' Defence A PARISIAN ROMANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2409, 3 May 1900, Page 55

Robesbiere' Defence A PARISIAN ROMANCE.

During the "Terror" few came to play at the Cafe cle la JRegence. People had not the heart, and it was not pleasant to see through the panes the cars bearing the condemned throvigh the Rue St. Honore to execution. Robespierre often took a &eat, but few had any wish to play with him, such terror did the in-significant-looking man strike into everyone's heart. One day a very handsome young man sat opposite him and made a move as a signal for a game ; Robespierre responded, and the stranger won. A second game was played and won, and then Robespierre asked what was the stake. " The head of a young man," was the answer, " who will be executed tomorrow. Here is the order for his release, waiting only your signature, and be quick — the executioner will give no delay. ' It was v a young count that was thus saved. The paper was signed and the great man asked, " But who are you, citizen?" "Say citizenness, monsieur; lam the cotint's betrothed. Thanks and adieu." — [We do not accept this otherwise than as fiction.— Ch. Ed. O.W.]

6 Bx P

French Defence. The Count's Bithrothed (White) v. Robespieire (Bl^ck). White. Black. White. Black. 1 P-K 4 P-K 3 11 Q-Q 2 ! c Q x Rch 2 P-Q 4 P-Q 4 12 K-K C !-D Q x R-E 3 K'-Q !? 3 Kt-K B 3 13 Kt-B (5 Xt x Kt-F 4 BQ3 B-Kt 5 14BxKtchBQ2 SBK[CtSPxP 15 Q-Q 6 PxQB 6B x P P-Q R 4-a 1(5 B x 1-5 eh K-0 1 7 Kt-B 3 PxP 117 B-B6Usc IC-B1 BKtx P- BxKtch 118 Q-Q 7-ch. K-Kt 1 9P x B O-R 4-b 39 "Q xKt 10 B x Xt ! QxP eh J nvite-G (a) The debut so far was frequently played in the celebrated Paris tournament of 1878. (b) "Diplomatic skill and judgment mark the play of the statesman here. It would appear as if White's army were disorganised already and ruin, threatened. (c) White plays for the life that is at stake. Mark the result. (d) Reculer pour mieux sauter. (c) And mow — in the face of an apparently lost game — (f) Black may delay ths mate one move by QioQ3or K8 eh. If he played Bto Q2, then 14 Q to Q6, Xt takes Xt; 15 B takes Xt, P takes QB ; 16 B takes B and mates next move. Or if castles, 14 Q to KKt 5, P to KKt 3; 15 Xt to K7 mate. Or if Q takes Xt P, 15 Q takes Q and mates next move. {&/ 'Tir done, 'tis done! that fatal blow Has stretched him on the bloody plain ; He strives to rise — brave Musgiave no! Thence never shall thou riss again! — Dublin. Mail.