Was engaged at chess when the deputies from Rouen came to acquaint him that their city was besieged by Philip Augustus; but he would not hear them until he had finished the game. _Ferrand Count of Flanders_ Having been accustomed to amuse himself at chess with his wife, and being constantly beaten by her, a mutual hatred took place, which came to such a height, that when the count was taken prisoner at Bovines, she suffered him to remain a long time in prison, though she could easily have procured his release. _Boi, the Syracusan_, Was a very famous player at chess, and very much considered in the court of Spain, under King Philip II. He received many fine presents from that prince. Having the misfortune to be taken by the corsairs, and to see himself reduced to slavery, he found means to make those Turkish and savage men tractable, by his skill at chess. They admired him for it, treated him civilly, and exacted no other ransom from him than the lessons he gave them for some time in that game. Two Persians had engaged in such deep play, that the whole fortune of one was gained by his opponent. He who played the white was the ruined man, and, made desperate by his loss, offered his favourite wife as his last stake. The game was carried on until he would have been check-mated by his adversary's next move. The lady, who had observed the game from the window above, cried out to her husband, "_to sacrifice his castle and save his wife_." _Situation of the Game._ _White._ _Black._ W. King at its Rook, B. King at the B. Queen's 4th square. Knight's square. W. Bishop at W. King's, B. Queen at the King's 4th square. Knight's 2nd square. W. Rook at W. Queen's Rook, B. Rook at King's Knight's square. 2nd square. Two White Pawns, one at B. Rook at the W. Queen's Knight's B. Queen's Bishop's 2nd square. 3rd square, the other at its Knight's 3rd square. _White_. _Black._ 1st Rook to the B. Queen's 1. B. King takes the Rook. Rook's square checking. 2nd The Pawn at the B. Queen's Bishop's 3rd square, which discovers check-mate. J.H.L. * * * * * SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. * * * * * EARLY RISING.