The Flair
of the Veille de Nuit
Nocturnal Guided City Tour in Costume
I. To Night's Rest:
The Evening Guided City Tour in Costume
II. The City at Night
and the Sweet Mystery of the Darkness
III. Under the Protection
of the Venetian Incognito
IV. The Watchman of the Night
V. An Absolute Admonition:
Guard the Fire and the Light!
I. To Night's Rest:
The Evening Guided City Tour in Costume
With the descent of dusk, matters take a most charmingly serious turn: the eve of our grand festival has dawned. This nocturnal city tour under the care of the night watchman is intended to attune our senses to the impending event and to inspire us to dream of even more beautiful festivities before we retire to rest.
II. The City at Night
and the Sweet Mystery of the Darkness
When the sun had long retreated over the rooftops of the Rococo and the honorable citizens had retired to rest, the face of the city changed. Yet why should a cavalier or a lady of the world expose themselves to the uncertainties of the dark alleys? Was it the late, joyful return from a divertissement, or perhaps even a discreet rendezvous in the shadows of the Baroque facades?
Perhaps the path also led to one of those conspiratorial secret gatherings. It was precisely here, in the spiritual and spatial proximity to Ingolstadt, that the Freemasons and Illuminati found their origin and their stronghold. Let us forget the wild myths of later days: these were enlightened, pre-revolutionary circles that simply strove for education and intellectual light for all—a truly noble reason to leave the house at such a late hour.
III. Under the Protection
of the Venetian Incognito
Whoever left their domestic hearth at night in that epoch, naturally, rarely did so unveiled. In accordance with good Venetian custom, one preserved the secrecy of one's path. One enveloped oneself in the protective dark of an expansive domino or a fine zendal, the collar drawn deeply over the face. A mask provided protection against the cool night air and from overly inquisitive glances, while one hastened, unrecognized and elegant, toward one's nocturnal destination.
IV. The Watchman of the Night
When all slept, the fate of the city depended upon the sharp gaze of the tower guards and night watchmen. Their duty was to watch with argus eyes to ensure that no fire consumed the houses and that nocturnal revelry, theft, or gross mischief were swiftly curtailed. Accompany our vigilant guide, the last representative of his guild, as he, equipped with his lantern, makes his evening rounds through historical Eichstätt and grants us safe escort.
V. An Absolute Admonition:
Guard the Fire and the Light!
A word of reason must, however, curb the romantic spirit at this juncture. The old cry of the watchmen—"Guard the fire and the light, that no harm befalls the house!"—applies to our society most particularly. From the sorrowful experience of previous events, I earnestly entreat you: forgo real torches or burning candles in your lanterns!
The magnificent fabrics of our garments, which nowadays all too often conceal highly flammable, modern synthetic materials, catch fire far more quickly than a gallant savior could intervene. Instead, resort to safe, electric candlelight, so that we may all greet the day of the ball the following morning unscathed and in consummate beauty.