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Title: Peter Parley's Visit to London
During the Coronation of Queen Victoria
Author: Peter Parley
Release Date: October 22, 2013 [EBook #43995]
Language: English
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PETER PARLEY'S
VISIT TO LONDON.
LONDON:
CLARKE, PRINTERS, SILVER STREET, FALCON SQUARE.
[Illustration: _Madeley lith. 3, Wellington St. Strand._
THE CORONATION OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA.]
PETER PARLEY'S VISIT TO LONDON,
DURING THE CORONATION OF QUEEN VICTORIA.
[Illustration]
LONDON:
CHARLES TILT, FLEET STREET.
MDCCCXXXIX.
TO THE GOOD
LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS
OF GREAT BRITAIN,
PETER PARLEY
DEDICATES THESE PAGES.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PARLEY ARRIVES IN LONDON Page 1
CHAPTER II.
PARLEY GOES TO SEE THE NEW CROWN 6
CHAPTER III.
PARLEY VISITS WESTMINSTER ABBEY AND
HYDE-PARK.--PREPARATIONS FOR THE FAIR 11
CHAPTER IV.
PARLEY SEES THE QUEEN, AND RELATES SOME
ANECDOTES OF HER MAJESTY 16
CHAPTER V.
PARLEY CONTINUES HIS ANECDOTES OF THE QUEEN 28
CHAPTER VI.
PARLEY DESCRIBES WESTMINSTER ABBEY ON THE
MORNING OF THE CORONATION, AND RELATES THE
LEGENDS CONNECTED WITH ST. EDWARD'S CHAIR 40
CHAPTER VII.
PARLEY DESCRIBES THE PROCESSION TO
WESTMINSTER ABBEY 52
CHAPTER VIII.
PARLEY DESCRIBES THE CORONATION IN
WESTMINSTER ABBEY 65
CHAPTER IX.
PARLEY CONTINUES HIS DESCRIPTION OF THE
CORONATION IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY 81
CHAPTER X.
PARLEY GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE ILLUMINATIONS,
AND OF THE GRAND DISPLAY OF FIRE-WORKS 92
CHAPTER XI.
PARLEY ATTENDS A REVIEW IN HYDE PARK, AND
RELATES SOME PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF MARSHAL
SOULT.--CONCLUSION 103
PETER PARLEY'S
VISIT TO LONDON.
CHAPTER I.
PARLEY ARRIVES IN LONDON.
"WELL, my little friends, here is your old acquaintance, Peter Parley,
come to tell some more of his amusing Tales. You wonder, I dare say,
what could tempt such a frail old man as I am to leave home, and come
so far. You shall hear.
"A Coronation, you must know, is a sight not to be seen every day in
the United States, where we have neither King nor Queen, so thinks
I to myself, I hear a great deal about the grandeur of the spectacle
which is to be exhibited at the crowning of Queen Victoria, and
though I have seen many grand sights in my day, I have never seen a
Coronation, so I shall just get into one of these new steam ships which
take one across the Atlantic Ocean so quickly, and have a look at the
affair. I shall, besides, have an opportunity of seeing the kind London
friends who treated me so handsomely when I was last in England, and
then I shall have such lots of new stories for my young friends. I
must--I shall go!
"Peter Parley is not a man to spend much time in idling after
having formed a resolution, so the very next day, having bid my old
housekeeper good bye, I was on my way to New York.
"As soon as I arrived at New York, I made enquiries about the steam
ships, and, finding that the 'Great Western' was to sail very soon, I
secured my passage in her, and then went to visit my friends in that
city, for I always like to fulfil the old adage, and finish my work
before I begin to play.
"Every body was surprised at my undertaking, and some kind folks wanted
to persuade me to stay at home, thinking to frighten me by telling me
about the length of the voyage, &c. They did not know Peter Parley.
One wag, who wished to be very witty, asked me why I did not wait and
take my passage in the new American ship, the 'Horse-Alligator,' which
was to sail on the 25th of June, and arrive in London the day before!
I could not help laughing at the idea, but I told him that steam was
quick enough for me.
"I have already told you about my voyages across the Atlantic, so I
need do no more now than make just one passing remark on the splendour
of the fitting-up, and the admirable arrangements of the 'Great
Western.' We passed a great many vessels as we came along, especially
when we were not far distant from the American and English shores. They
had no chance with us. Sometimes we discovered them far a-head, like
mere specks on the ocean. In an hour or two we came up with them, and,
in as much more time, left them far behind. The steady and untiring
whirl of the steamer's paddles carried every thing before it.
"We reached Bristol in thirteen days, and, as I had nothing to detain
me there, I hurried on to London, and arrived in the middle of the
grand preparations.
"Every body was as busy as a bee.--Nothing was talked of but the
Coronation. 'Oh! Mr. Parley, have you come to see the Coronation too?'
was my first salute from every lip. My kind old friend, Major Meadows,
insisted on my taking up my quarters in his house, and promised that
I should see every thing that was to be seen, and hear every thing
that was to be heard. This was just what I wanted to be at, so I fixed
myself with him at once."
CHAPTER II.
PARLEY GOES TO SEE THE NEW CROWN.
"AFTER paying a few visits, and renewing old friendships, I set myself,
in good earnest, to see what was to be seen.
"The most attractive object, connected with the Coronation, exhibiting
at the time, was the new crown made for the occasion. I accordingly
made the best of my way into the city, to the shop of Messrs. Rundell
and Bridge, her Majesty's goldsmiths, on Ludgate Hill, who, with the
greatest liberality, had thrown open their rooms that the public might
have an opportunity of inspecting the crown.
"So great was the crowd, all anxious to have a peep, that it was some
time before I could press forward to the door of the shop. Carriages
were so busy taking up and setting down company, that the street was
quite blocked up. At length, however, by dint of perseverance, Peter
Parley managed to squeeze in.
"After traversing the shop, all round which are ranged articles of the
most massive and costly description, we were ushered into an interior
apartment, in which, in glass cases, were deposited the precious
curiosities.
"In the centre, the admired of all beholders, was the Royal Crown. It
is beautifully designed, and formed in the most costly and elegant
manner, and so covered with precious stones, as almost to dazzle the
eyes of old Peter Parley. It is composed of hoops of silver, enclosing
a cap of deep purple velvet. The hoops are completely covered and
concealed by precious stones, the whole surmounted by a ball covered
with small diamonds, and having a Maltese cross of brilliants on the
top of it. The body of the crown is wreathed with fleurs-de-lis and
Maltese crosses; the one in the front being ornamented with a very
large heart-shaped ruby, once, I was informed, a principal ornament in
the crown of Edward the Black Prince, and which he is said to have worn
at the battle of Cressy. Peter Parley cannot remember all the details,
for besides these, there are many other precious stones in the crown.
The rim is surrounded with ermine, and it certainly struck me as being
one of the finest things I had ever seen.
"Close beside the crown were the coronets of the Royal Dukes and
Duchesses, but though they also were made of costly materials, the
attractions of the crown were so great as to throw the others quite
into the back ground. I had hardly time to turn my eyes toward the case
containing the Orb and Sword of state, before I was hurried away by the
pressure of the crowd behind, which kept pouring in in undiminished
numbers.
"As I moved towards the door behind the shop, which was set apart for
visitors retiring, I passed a table on which was displayed a service of
massive gold utensils, to be used in the consecration service.
"When I reached the street, I found it still densely crowded. I wanted
to go to St. Paul's, which stands close by, but was afraid to venture
into such a crowd, so I directed my steps to Westminster Abbey, making
my way with some difficulty down Ludgate Hill and along Fleet Street,
and passing beneath Temple Bar, which marks the boundary of the City."
CHAPTER III.
PARLEY VISITS WESTMINSTER ABBEY AND HYDE-PARK. PREPARATIONS FOR THE
FAIR.
"AS I approached the venerable pile I found all in bustle and
confusion. Every where carpenters were busily engaged fitting up
galleries for the accommodation of spectators of the procession on the
day of the coronation. Ranges of such erections lined the whole course
of the street through which the procession was to pass, up to the very
door of the Abbey; even the church-yard was lined with them. These
I was told were the speculations of tradesmen, who let the sittings
according to the value of the situation, at prices varying from
half-a-sovereign up to a couple of guineas. For some very choice places
even five guineas was asked.
"Peter Parley could not help smiling at the fine names which had been
given to some of these erections; such as the 'Royal Victoria Gallery,'
the 'Royal Kent Gallery,' &c., &c.
"By order of the Earl Marshal no visitors were permitted to enter the
Abbey; but as good luck would have it, just as I happened to be passing
the western grand entrance I met a gentleman connected with the Board
of Works, whom I had seen at Major Meadows's the day before, and who
most obligingly offered to introduce me.
"I gladly availed myself of his invitation, and was much struck with
the grandeur and extent of the preparations.
"At the western entrance to the Abbey a suite of apartments for
robing-rooms for her Majesty and the members of the Royal Family had
been erected. So completely did this structure harmonize externally
with the rest of the antique building, that I should not have observed
that it was a temporary erection had it not been pointed out to me. The
chamber set apart for her Majesty was fitted up in the most gorgeous
manner--the walls beautifully ornamented, and the furniture, all of
the richest and most magnificent description. Though less costly the
apartments for the Royal Family were equally chaste.
"The interior of the Abbey presented a scene at once animated and
beautiful. Workmen were busily engaged in various parts finishing the
preparations. I will have occasion to tell you about the interior of
the Abbey by and by, so I may as well say nothing about it at present.
"Peter Parley now proceeded to Hyde-Park to see the preparations for
the grand fair which was to be held in that noble pleasure-ground on
this joyous occasion.
"Already many booths displayed themselves on the plain, and many
more were in the act of being erected. Richardson, who Peter Parley
understood is one of the most famous of the show-folks, had erected
a large and handsome theatre, which even thus early seemed to have
considerable attractions for the multitude who had gathered round it in
great numbers.
"Peter Parley having seen all that was worth seeing in the fair was
beginning to feel tired, and was directing his steps homeward, when
all of a sudden his attention was attracted to a particular part of
the Park to which people seemed to be hastening from all quarters.
Peter Parley hurried to the spot and was most agreeably surprised to
find that it was Queen Victoria, accompanied by her suite, taking her
accustomed airing in her carriage."
CHAPTER IV.
PARLEY SEES THE QUEEN, AND RELATES SOME ANECDOTES OF HER MAJESTY.
"'WHAT a dear sweet lady!' were the first words of Peter Parley when
the Royal cavalcade had passed.
[Illustration: _Madeley lith. 3, Wellington St. Strand._
HER MAJESTY LEAVING BUCKINGHAM PALACE ON THE MORNING OF THE CORONATION.]
"'She is a dear sweet lady, Mr. Parley, and, what is more, she is as
good as she is sweet,' said my friend, Major Meadows, who, afraid lest
I should overwalk myself in my zeal for sight-seeing, had followed me
from Westminster Abbey and luckily fallen in with me in the park,
and he went on to relate many very interesting anecdotes of the young
Queen, which Peter Parley took good care to remember because he knew
they would gratify his young friends."
"'Her Majesty is doatingly fond of children, Mr. Parley,' said he, 'and
that you know is always the sign of a good heart. Nothing can be finer
than the traits of character exhibited in a little anecdote which Lady
M---- told me a day or two ago.
"'Not long since, her Majesty commanded Lady Barham, one of the ladies
in waiting, to bring her family of lovely children to the new palace.
They were greatly admired and fondly caressed by the Queen; when a
beautiful little boy about three years of age artlessly said--
"'I do not see the Queen; I want to see the Queen;' upon which her
Majesty, smiling, said--
"'I am the Queen, love;' and taking her little guest into her arms
repeatedly kissed the astonished child.
"This little anecdote warmed old Peter Parley's heart towards the young
Queen; nor did any of the stories which Major Meadows told me tend to
lessen my regard for her. Peter Parley was pleased to hear that she has
a proper sense of the importance of the station to which she has been
called by Divine Providence.
"On the day on which she was proclaimed Queen of Great Britain she
arrived in company with her royal mother at St. James's Palace for the
purpose of taking part in the important ceremony. As they drove towards
the palace the party received the most affectionate demonstrations
of loyalty and attachment, the people following the carriages with a
continuous cry of 'Long live the Queen'--'God bless our youthful Queen,
long may she live,' &c. Yet, exciting and exhilirating as were these
acclamations, her Majesty's countenance exhibited marks only of anxiety
and grief.
"They arrived at St. James's Palace a little before ten o'clock. When
the old bell of the palace-clock announced that hour, the band struck
up the National Anthem, the Park and Tower guns fired a double royal
salute, and the young and trembling Queen, led by the Marquis of
Lansdowne, President of the Council, appeared at an open window looking
into the great court of the Palace. At the fervent and enthusiastic
shout of the people who had come to witness the ceremony, her Majesty
burst into tears, and, in spite of all her efforts to restrain them,
they continued to flow down her pale cheeks all the time she remained
at the window. Her emotions did not, however, prevent her from
returning her acknowledgments for the devotedness of her people.
"Some of the most interesting anecdotes which Peter Parley heard,
however, related to an earlier period of the Queen's life, when she was
Princess Victoria.
"'Here is an anecdote which I heard at a Missionary Meeting, Mr.
Parley,' said Major Meadows, 'and I assure you it told with great
effect.'"
"A poor but truly pious widow, placed in charge of a lighthouse on the
south coast of the Mersey, had resolved to devote the receipts of one
day in the year, during the visiting season, to the Missionary cause.
On one of these days, a lady in widow's weeds and a little girl in
deep mourning came to see the lighthouse; sympathy in misfortune led
to conversation, and before the unknown visitor took her departure
they had most probably mingled their tears together. The lady left
behind her a sovereign. The unusually large gratuity immediately caused
a conflict in the breast of the poor woman, as to whether she was
absolutely bound to appropriate the whole of it to the Missionary-box
or not. At length she compromised, by putting in half-a-crown. But
conscience would not let her rest: she went to bed, but could not
sleep; she arose, took back the half-crown, put in the sovereign, went
to bed and slept comfortably. A few days afterwards, to her great
surprise, she received a double letter, franked, and on opening it,
was no less astonished than delighted to find twenty pounds from the
widow lady, and five pounds from the little girl in deep mourning. And
who were that lady and that little girl, do you think? No other than
her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent and our present rightful and
youthful sovereign."
"During one of the summer seasons of the Princess's childhood the
Duchess of Kent resided in the neighbourhood of Malvern, and almost
daily walked on the Downs. One day the Princess and her beautiful
little dog Pero, of which she was uncommonly fond, happening
considerably to outstrip the Duchess and governess, she overtook a
little peasant girl about her own age. With the thoughtless hilarity
of youth she made up to her, and without ceremony, said to her--
"'My dog is very tired, will you carry him for me if you please?'
"The good-natured girl, quite unconscious of the rank of the applicant,
immediately complied, and tripped along by the side of the Princess for
some time in unceremonious conversation. At length she said,
"'I am tired now, and cannot carry your dog any farther.'
"'Tired!' cried her Royal Highness, 'Impossible! Think what a little
way you have carried him!'
"'Quite far enough,' was the homely reply; 'besides, I am going to my
aunt's, and if your dog must be carried, why cannot you carry him
yourself?'
"So saying, she placed Pero on the grass, and he again joyfully frisked
beside his royal mistress.
"'Going to your aunt's;' rejoined the Princess, unheeding Pero's
gambols; 'pray who is your aunt?'
"'Mrs. Johnson, the miller's wife.'
"'And where does she live?'
"'In that pretty little white house which you see just at the bottom of
the hill, there;' said the unconscious girl, pointing it out among the
trees; and the two companions stood still that the Princess might make
sure that she was right, thus giving the Duchess and her companion
time to come up.
"'Oh, I should like to see her!' exclaimed the light-hearted Princess;
'I will go with you, come let us run down the hill together.'
"'No, no, my Princess,' cried the governess, coming up and taking her
Royal Highness's hand, 'you have conversed long enough with that little
girl, and now the Duchess wishes you to walk with her.
"The awful words 'Princess' and 'Duchess' quite confounded the little
peasant girl; blushing and almost overcome, she earnestly begged pardon
for the liberties she had taken, but her fears were instantly allayed
by the Duchess, who, after thanking her for her trouble in carrying
Pero, recompensed her by giving her half-a-crown.
"Delighted, the little girl curtsied her thanks, and running on briskly
to her aunt's, she related all that had passed, dwelling particularly
on the apprehension she had felt when she discovered that it was the
Princess whom she had desired to carry her dog herself. The half-crown
was afterwards framed and hung up in the miller's homely parlour, as a
memento of this pleasing little adventure."
"This is but a childish story, but Peter Parley loves to hear stories
of good children, and he knows that his little friends love to hear
them too."
CHAPTER V.
PARLEY CONTINUES HIS ANECDOTES OF THE QUEEN.
"THERE was one anecdote of the Queen from which Peter Parley derived
much pleasure, because it showed that, notwithstanding her high
station, she is not unmindful of Him by whom 'Kings reign, and Princes
decree justice.'
"A noble lord, one of her Majesty's ministers of state, not
particularly remarkable for his observance of holy ordinances, recently
arrived at Windsor Castle late one Saturday night.
"'I have brought down for your Majesty's inspection,' he said, 'some
papers of importance, but as they must be gone into at length I will
not trouble your Majesty with them to-night, but request your attention
to them to-morrow morning.'
"'To-morrow morning!' repeated the Queen; 'to-morrow is Sunday, my
lord.'
"'But business of state, please your Majesty--'
"'Must be attended to, I know,' replied the Queen, 'and as of course
you could not come down earlier to-night, I will, if those papers are
of such vital importance, attend to them _after we come from church
to-morrow morning_.'
"To church went the royal party; to church went the noble lord, and
much to his surprise the sermon was on '_The duties of the Sabbath_!'
"'How did your lordship like the sermon?' enquired the young Queen.
"'Very much, your Majesty,' replied the nobleman, with the best grace
he could.
"'I will not conceal from you,' said the Queen, 'that last night I sent
the clergyman the text from which he preached. I hope we shall all be
the better for it.'
"The day passed without a single word on the subject of the 'papers
of importance,' and at night, when her Majesty was about to withdraw,
'To-morrow morning, my lord,' she said, 'at any hour you please, and
as early as seven if you like, we will go into these papers.'
"His lordship could not think of intruding at so early an hour on her
Majesty; 'Nine would be quite time enough.'
"'As they are of importance, my lord, I would have attended to them
earlier, but at nine be it;' and at nine her Majesty was seated ready
to receive the nobleman, who had been taught a lesson on the duties of
the sabbath, it is hoped, he will not quickly forget.
"Exemplary as the young Queen is in her religious duties, however,
Peter Parley was pleased to find that she does not allow her religion
to consist in mere theory, but that in reality she clothes the poor and
feeds the hungry.
"On one occasion when her Majesty, accompanied by her suite, was
taking an airing on horseback, in the neighbourhood of Windsor, she
was overtaken by a heavy shower, which forced the royal party to seek
shelter in an outhouse belonging to a farm yard, where a poor man was
busily employed making hurdles. Her Majesty entered into conversation
with the man (who was totally ignorant who he was addressing), and
finding that he had a large family and no means of supporting them
beyond what he gained by making these hurdles, her Majesty enquired
where he lived, and on taking her departure presented him with a
sovereign. Next day she went, accompanied by her Royal Mother, to the
cottage of the poor man, and finding his statement to be correct,
immediately provided some good warm clothing for his wife and children.
Her Majesty seemed very much pleased with the neatness and regularity
of the cottage, and on taking her departure presented the poor woman
with a five-pound note.
"There was no end to stories of this description, but I can only afford
room for two or three more; one of which, in particular, shows how
early the Queen has been taught to look up to the only source of real
comfort in affliction.
"An old man who once served in the capacity of porter to the Duke
of Kent, and who, in his old age and infirmity, has long since been
pensioned by the Duchess, is not a little gratified at receiving a nod
of recognition from her Majesty whenever her carriage chances to pass
his cottage. The aged man has a daughter much afflicted, and who has
been confined to bed for eight or ten years. On the evening of the late
king's funeral this young woman was equally surprised and delighted
at receiving from the Queen a present of the psalms of David in which
was a marker worked by herself with a dove, the emblem of peace, in
the centre. It pointed to the forty-first psalm, which her Majesty
requested she would read, at the same time expressing a hope that its
frequent perusal might bring an increase of peace to her mind.
"Another poor man named Smith, who had for several years swept the
crossing opposite the avenue leading to Kensington palace, and whom her
Majesty always kindly noticed, rarely passing through the gates without
throwing him some silver from the carriage window, received a message
on the morning after the Queen's accession informing him that her
Majesty had ordered that a weekly allowance of eight shillings should
be regularly paid him. The poor man, however, did not long enjoy his
pension, dying within six months from its commencement.
"Short and brilliant as has been her Majesty's career however, and
fondly and carefully as she has been watched over, her life affords a
very striking instance of providential preservation.
"During one of their summer excursions on the southern coast of
England, the Royal party sailed in the Emerald yacht, and proceeding up
the harbour at Plymouth for the purpose of landing at the dock-yard,
the yacht unfortunately, from the rapidity of the tide, ran foul of one
of the hulks which lay off the yard. The shock was so great that the
mainmast of the royal yacht was sprung in two places, and her sail and
gaff (or yard by which the sail is supported) fell instantaneously upon
the deck.
"The Princess happened unfortunately to be standing almost directly
under the sail at the moment, and the most fatal consequences might
have ensued, had not the master of the yacht, with admirable presence
of mind, sprung forward and caught her in his arms and conveyed her
to a place of safety. The alarm and confusion caused by the accident
was for a time heightened by the uncertainty as to the fate of her
Royal Highness, who had been preserved from injury by the blunt but
well-timed rescue of the honest sailor.
"'There is one thing which pleases me mightily, Mr. Parley,' said Major
Meadows, 'and it is this, that with all this goodness our young Queen
has a truly British heart. Often and often has she manifested this, and
when quite a girl though perfectly acquainted with several European
languages, and particularly with French and German, she never could be
prevailed upon to converse in them as a habit, always observing that
'she was a little English girl and would speak nothing but English.'
There is a healthiness of feeling in this, Mr. Parley, which is quite
delightful.'
"Long before Major Meadows had finished his anecdotes about the Queen
we had reached home. As it is the custom to dine late in London,
we dined after our return, and during the repast, the Queen and the
spectacle of to-morrow formed the chief subject of conversation, my
friend continuing from time to time to give interest by some new
anecdote, of which his store seemed to be inexhaustible.
"Peter Parley is fond of early hours, so we retired to bed betimes,
which was the more necessary, because by sun-rise to-morrow we must be
up and away to Westminster Abbey."
CHAPTER VI.
PARLEY DESCRIBES WESTMINSTER ABBEY ON THE MORNING OF THE CORONATION,
AND RELATES THE LEGENDS CONNECTED WITH ST. EDWARD'S CHAIR.
"EARLY in the morning, Peter Parley was up and dressed. He had hardly
finished his devotions when, early though it was, Major Meadows knocked
at the door of his room to enquire if he was stirring.
"After partaking of a hurried breakfast we got into a carriage and
drove to the Abbey. As we passed along, we found people, even at such
an early hour, already begun to congregate in the streets, and to take
up stations from which they expected to obtain the best view of the
day's proceedings.
[Illustration: _Madeley lith. 3, Wellington St. Strand._
HER MAJESTY LEAVING HER PRIVATE APARTMENTS IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY.]
"Peter Parley was pleased to find, on our arrival at the Abbey, that
the doors had been opened a short time before, and the crowd of eager
expectants who had been waiting, some of them upwards of an hour, had
been already admitted. We were thus saved the necessity of exposing
ourselves to being crushed by stronger and more energetic claimants for
admission.
"On entering the venerable building I was struck mute with astonishment
at the magnificence of the preparations which now burst upon the sight
with all their breadth and effect; though I had seen it so recently,
I was not at all aware of the greatness of the scale on which they had
been undertaken.
"The approach to the theatre was by six broad steps leading from the
vestibule under the music gallery. At the termination of the choir,
just where it is intersected by the north and south transepts, a
similar number of steps led to a large platform, covered with a
splendid carpet in rich puce and gold colours. Upon this platform was
raised a second of a smaller size, approached by four broad steps,
each covered with carpeting of the most magnificent description. The
fifth step, which formed the platform, was covered with cloth of gold,
and in the centre was placed a splendid throne of a rich gilt ground,
tastefully embellished with rose-coloured sprigs at short intervals,
and the royal initials in the centre.
"A little further in advance of this splendid throne, and nearer
the altar, stood a chair of a more humble bearing, but far more
interesting, from the legendary stories connected with it. This was St.
Edward's chair, of which Peter Parley must say a few words.
"The chair is made of solid oak, and beneath the seat is deposited
a large stone, on which the Scottish kings used to be crowned. The
legendary history of this stone is very curious. It commences as early
as the time of Jacob, who is said to have rested his head on it in the
plain of Luz, when, as you will recollect, he fled from the anger of
his brother Esau. It was afterwards carried to Spain, by the Scythians,
whence it found its way into Ireland in the time of Romulus and Remus,
the founders of Rome. Here, it seems, from all accounts, first to have
exhibited miraculous powers--making a 'prodigious noise, and being
surprisingly disturbed,' whenever a prince of the Scythian line was
seated upon it. Peter Parley would not have you believe any of these
marvellous legends, none of which are true, but which are interesting
nevertheless, as they serve to show in what manner the people of
former times were misled by the silly and ridiculous legends of the
darker ages.
"From Ireland this singular stone was carried into Scotland, and placed
in the Abbey of Scone, where the coronation of the Kings of Scotland
usually took place. One of the Scottish kings caused an inscription to
be cut upon it, an ancient prophecy, as it was said, but more probably
an invention of some monkish chronicler of the time:--
"If Fate speak sooth, where'er this stone is found,
The Scots shall monarch of that realm be crown'd."
"When Edward I. dethroned Baliol, he sent this celebrated stone, on
the possession of which the Scots set great value, to London, along
with the Scottish regalia. In the following year, the monarch presented
these trophies at the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor; and it
appears soon afterwards to have been placed in the coronation chair,
where it has remained ever since.
"Peter Parley has heard that the ancient prophecy, to which even at so
late a period the more superstitious amongst the Scottish nation clung,
was held to be fulfilled when James I. ascended the throne of England;
and it is also said not to have been without a certain influence in
reconciling many of the people to the Union with England.
"But we must not forget the coronation in Westminster Abbey, in our
interest in the legend connected with St. Edward's chair.
"On each side of the platform on which the thrones stood, were the
galleries appropriated for Peers and Peeresses and their friends, also
those for the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Privy Councillors.
"There were two other galleries rising above these on each side, the
highest quite among the vaultings of the roof, which were appropriated
indiscriminately to the rest of the visitors.
"The whole of these extensive galleries were covered with crimson
cloth, and trimmed with gold fringe, which had a very rich effect when
contrasted with the sombre colours and antique stone walls of the
building.
"The decorations of the chancel and altar were of the most gorgeous
description; the draperies being of the richest purple silk, brocaded
in the most sumptuous pattern with gold. Behind the altar the
decorations were of a still more delicate character than the rest, both
the ground-work and the gold being of a lighter shade. Against the
compartment behind the altar stood six massive gold plateaux, two of
them being of very large dimensions. The table itself was loaded with
a gold communion service, as well as with other articles used in the
ceremony.
"Peter Parley had time to notice all these things from being in the
Abbey so early in the morning, before the visitors were so numerous,
and the place so crowded as it afterwards became. The good sense and
knowledge of Major Meadows led him to select a seat from which, while
we could see as much of the ceremony as nine-tenths of those within the
Abbey, we could readily retire to the roof, from which we could obtain
an admirable view of the procession outside.
"By six o'clock in the morning the visitors began to arrive in the
interior of the Abbey, and bustle and confusion began to prevail,
where, but an hour before, all had been stillness and silence; the
rich and elegant dresses of the ladies giving an air of gaiety to
the scene. An hour later the Peers and Peeresses began to make their
appearance, and the attention was kept completely on the alert by some
new arrival of a distinguished personage, or of a rich or picturesque
costume."
* * * * *
"At length the sound of the Park guns announced that the Queen had
entered her carriage and was on her way to the Abbey. This joyful
announcement seemed to inspire every one present with joy and
animation. The Peers, who had hitherto dispersed themselves over
various parts of the building, giving, by their rich and picturesque
costumes, additional brilliancy and variety to the already gorgeous
scene, now retired to their appointed places, and a certain degree of
order began to prevail within the Abbey.
"As the procession began to draw near, Peter Parley took advantage of
Major Meadows' foresight, and, with some little difficulty, made his
way to the roof, to view its approach."
CHAPTER VII.
PARLEY DESCRIBES THE PROCESSION TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
"FROM this elevated and commanding position Peter Parley had a most
admirable view of the procession, and of the immense multitude of
spectators which lined the streets and crowded every window and roof
from which even the most distant and casual view of it could be
obtained.
"Far as the eye could reach was one dense mass of human beings.
The deafening cheers of the populace, the waving of ten thousand
handkerchiefs, the clang of martial music, and the novelty and
singularity of the whole scene, well nigh turned the head of poor Peter
Parley.
"He had hardly time to satisfy his old eyes with gazing on the immense
assemblage when the procession began to approach.
"Peter Parley will not attempt to give you an exact list of the
procession, for he knows very well that a simple catalogue of names
would not at all interest you; he will therefore merely run hastily
over the principal parts of it, and show you drawings of several of
the most striking scenes, which he knows very well will give you by
one glance a clearer idea of it than if he were to spend hours in mere
description.
"Preceded by a squadron of horse-guards, whose gallant and warlike
bearing excited general admiration, came the carriages of the foreign
ministers resident in this country. Even in the midst of so much
bustle, Peter Parley could not help moralizing on the singularity of
the scene. Here were the representatives of every power on the face of
the globe gathered together in one harmonious congregation; and the
feelings to which their passing thus in review, in a living panorama
as it were, gave rise were of the most peculiar description. Here were
all separate and rival interests for the moment buried in oblivion, and
people from the east, from the west, and from the north, and from the
south, came to assist in doing honour to England's Queen.
"Immediately behind the resident ministers followed the ambassadors
extraordinary, that is, those who had been sent by their respective
governments for the express purpose of taking part in the solemnity.
Some of the carriages and trappings of these ambassadors excited the
greatest attention and admiration. Those in particular of Marshal
Soult, the French ambassador, one of the ablest opponents of the Duke
of Wellington during the peninsular war, were rich almost beyond
description. In colour his carriage was of a rich cobalt relieved with
gold, the panels most tastefully ornamented with his Excellency's
armorial bearings, at the back of which was a field-marshal's baton. It
was furnished at each corner with a lamp surmounted by a massive silver
coronet, and the raised cornices with which it was ornamented were
of silver, deep and richly chased. These, with the beautiful harness
(of white--the furniture was also of silver exquisitely chased), gave
an air of richness and beauty to the whole equipage which was quite
unequalled in the procession. Peter Parley thought he should never have
done gazing at the rich and splendid equipage.
"The carriages and attendants of the ambassador from the Sultan, though
far less richly caparisoned, were objects of equal curiosity, partly
on account of the eastern dress in which Ahmed Fetij Pasha appeared,
and partly because of that undefined idea of romance which exists in
the popular mind in connection with the crescent and the rising sun,
the emblems of Turkish power.
"The carriage was of a rich lake colour, with the emblems which Peter
Parley has just mentioned richly emblazoned on the panels. Inside
it was lined with crimson and yellow silk, in rich festoons; the
hammercloth blue, with gold and scarlet hangings, the centre of scarlet
velvet with the rising sun and crescent in diamonds.
"The only other ambassador's carriage which Peter Parley shall notice
is that of the Prince de Ligne, ambassador extraordinary from Belgium.
I mention it not that it was very much more striking than the others,
for they were all beautiful, and each was distinguished by some
peculiarity of elegant chasteness or rich display. The carriage, which
was also of rich lake tastefully ornamented with gold, was drawn by
six beautiful grey horses, and was preceded by a couple of outriders
likewise mounted on greys. His Excellency's armorial bearings were
emblazoned on the panels, the roof ornamented by four gold coronets,
one at each corner. The richness of the liveries and trappings made
this equipage very much admired. After the foreign ambassadors followed
a mounted band and a detachment of life-guards which preceded the
carriages of the branches of the Royal Family.
"Peter Parley cannot find a word to express his idea of the gorgeous
magnificence of the carriage of the Duchess of Kent, the mother of
the Queen. The masses of gold lace by which the hammercloth and the
attendants' liveries were ornamented had an extremely rich effect. Her
grace seemed highly delighted with the ceremony, and nothing could be
more gratifying than her reception, unless indeed it was that of the
Queen herself. Every where was the Duchess cheered, and she returned
the people's greetings by smiling and bowing in the blandest and most
courtly manner.
"The Duchess of Gloucester, and the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex,
followed next in order, and each was received with the same warm and
enthusiastic cheers.
"After these came the Queen's bargemaster and his assistants,
forty-eight in number. The blunt sailor-like appearance of these
men, some of whose weather-beaten countenances gave token of years
of service, excited much interest. When Peter Parley saw them they
recalled to his mind the anecdote of the saving of the life of the
Princess Victoria, and he wondered which of the bluff sailors it was
who had been so ready and so thoughtful.
"The Royal carriages now approached. These were twelve in number, each
drawn by six splendid horses, and accompanied by two grooms walking
on each side. As they passed in succession, the interest became more
intense as her Majesty drew nigh. The beauty of the maids of honour,
the courtly bearing and gay dresses of the lords in waiting, which the
carriages conveyed, the richness of the trappings, and the beauty and
spirit of the horses, excited the intensest admiration. At length the
twelfth carriage passed, and the most breathless interest prevailed. A
squadron of Life Guards and a mounted band preceded the military staff
and aides-de-camps, including some of the most distinguished military
officers of the day. The Royal Huntsmen next appeared, followed by
six of her Majesty's horses, with rich trappings, each led by two
grooms. Though nothing could be finer than the appearance of these
most beautiful animals the amount of attention which they received was
but small, for close behind, preceded by one hundred Yeomen of the
Guard, appeared the state coach, drawn by eight cream-coloured horses,
attended by a Yeoman of the Guard at each wheel, and two footmen at
each door, conveying
"THE QUEEN.
"The cheering by which other parts of the cavalcade had been received
was loud and heartfelt, but no sooner did the young and amiable Queen
make her appearance, than the loudest and most enthusiastic plaudits
rent the air. The ladies in the balconies waved their handkerchiefs,
the people cheered, peal after peal of joyful applause came thundering
upon the ear, shout followed shout, and acclamation burst after
acclamation, until the music of the military bands and the discharges
of the artillery were completely drowned in the roar of popular
applause. The Queen seemed to enjoy the exciting scene, and continued
bowing on all sides in the most graceful and engaging manner.
"The excitement which prevailed along the line of the procession, as
her Majesty approached, was, Peter Parley was assured, great beyond
description. _Then_ were the rich trappings of the Foreign Ambassadors,
the magnificence of the Royal carriages, the dazzling scarlet uniforms
of the watermen, the magnificently caparisoned horses, the rich
uniforms of the great officers of state, and even the beauty and
attractions of the maids of honour, all forgotten. There was one and
one only thought of--it was THE QUEEN. The struggle was to look upon
her, and the object of each individual present seemed to be--
"'How and which way he might bestow himself,
To be regarded in her sun-bright eye.'
"Never, Peter Parley will venture to say, did British monarch
receive more heartfelt greeting, or pass under brighter auspices within
the portals of Westminster Abbey."
[Illustration: _Madeley lith. 3, Wellington St. Strand._
THE PROCESSION APPROACHING WESTMINSTER ABBEY]
CHAPTER VIII.
PARLEY DESCRIBES THE CORONATION IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
"AS soon as the Queen, the great object of attraction, had passed,
Peter Parley and his friend hurried into the Abbey to resume their
places. As they entered they encountered the most deafening and
enthusiastic plaudits, to which the announcement of her Majesty's
arrival within the Abbey gave rise.
"While her Majesty was undergoing the ceremony of robing, in the
magnificent room which Peter Parley has already told you about, the
procession, which forms part of the ceremony within the Abbey, was
arranged in order.
"Every thing having been prepared, her Majesty made her appearance
habited in a rich mantle and train of crimson velvet, over a dress
of satin wrought with gold, and the assembled thousands of her loyal
subjects rose with one accord, and welcomed their Sovereign in a manner
which must have thrilled the heart of the greatest potentate who ever
swayed a sceptre. The band of instrumental music swelled forth their
richest notes, and the choir gave magnificent effect to the anthem:--
"'I was glad when they said unto me we will go into the house of the
Lord. For there is the Seat of Judgment, even the Seat of the House
of David. O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that
love Thee. Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it
was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.'
"As the procession moved slowly up the Abbey, the effect was most
magnificent; the splendour of the pageantry, the beauty of the young
Queen, whose mild blue eyes shone scarcely less brightly than the
circlet of diamonds which encompassed her beauteous brow, and the
rich effect of the music, as it reverberated among the aisles of the
building, almost made Peter Parley think it was a scene in fairy-land,
or one of those bright and unsubstantial visions which flit across the
mind in our dreams.
"The Queen having advanced to a chair which had been provided for her,
about midway between the throne and the south side of the altar, the
noblemen and others who composed the procession took up the stations
which had been appropriated for them; the choir in the mean time
continuing to chaunt the anthem.
"The cadences of the anthem had scarcely died away among the aisles
of the Abbey, when Peter Parley was startled at the sound of youthful
voices, singing at their highest pitch. He directed his eyes towards
the spot whence the sound proceeded, and found it was the Westminster
scholars, who, according to an ancient and established custom, greeted
their sovereign with a kind of chaunt, 'Vivat Victoria Regina!'
"At the conclusion of this chaunt, which, though not the most
harmonious, struck Peter Parley as certainly not the least interesting
part of the greeting, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord
Chancellor, the Lord Great Chamberlain, and the Earl Marshal, advanced
and commenced the ceremony of the Coronation by what is called the
Recognition; that is, advancing towards each side of the theatre in
succession, they thus addressed the assembled spectators:--
"'Sirs, we here present unto you Queen Victoria, the undoubted Queen of
this realm; wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage,
are you willing to do the same?'
"As the question was repeated on each side, the Abbey rang with the
joyful response 'God save Queen Victoria!' A flourish of trumpets added
to the enthusiasm of the scene; and even Peter Parley, carried away
by the feeling of the moment, shouted forth his acclamations, in as
heartfelt a manner as the most devoted of her Majesty's subjects.
"During this part of the ceremony, the Queen remained standing by the
chair on which she had at first taken her seat, and turned her face
successively toward that part of the Abbey to which the question was
addressed.
"When the enthusiastic cheering subsided her Majesty resumed her seat,
and preparations were made for that part of the altar service called
the Oblation. The Bible, the chalice, and patina, were placed upon the
altar, before which, two officers of the wardrobe spread a rich cloth
of gold, and laid upon it a cushion for her Majesty to kneel upon. The
Bishops who were to be engaged in the service also advanced and put on
their copes.
"Every thing being ready, her Majesty, supported by two bishops and
preceded by the great officers of state bearing the regalia, approached
the altar, and kneeling upon the cushion, made the various offerings.
"The first, which consisted of a pall or altar-cloth of gold, was
delivered by an officer of the wardrobe to the Lord Chamberlain, and
by him handed to the Lord Great Chamberlain, who delivered it to the
Queen. Her Majesty then gave it to the Archbishop of Canterbury, by
whom it was placed on the altar.
"An ingot of gold, a pound in weight, was then handed by the Treasurer
of the Household to the Lord Great Chamberlain, by whom it was placed
in the hands of the Queen, who delivered it to the Archbishop, by whom
it was put into the oblation basin, and set upon the altar.
"The Archbishop then said the following prayer, the Queen remaining
kneeling before the altar:--
"'O God, who dwellest in the high and holy place, with them also
who are of an humble spirit, look down mercifully upon this thy
servant Victoria our Queen, here humbling herself before Thee at thy
footstool, and graciously receive these oblations, which, in humble
acknowledgment of thy sovereignty over all, and of thy great bounty
unto her in particular, she hath now offered up unto Thee, through
JESUS CHRIST, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.'
"At the conclusion of this prayer her Majesty returned to the chair on
the south side of the altar, and the whole of the regalia, except the
swords, were delivered to the archbishop and placed on the altar.
"The Litany was then read by the Bishops of Worcester and St. David's,
which was followed by the Communion Service, previous to which, the
choir sang the _Sanctus_:--
"'Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God of Hosts;
Heaven and earth are full of thy Glory;
Glory be to Thee, O Lord, most High. Amen.'
"At the conclusion of the service the Bishop of London ascended the
pulpit, which had been placed opposite her Majesty's chair of state,
and preached the sermon. His lordship's text was chosen from 2 Chron.
xxxiv. 31,--'And the King stood in his place and made a covenant before
the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments, and his
testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his
soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this
book.'
"At the conclusion of the sermon, to which the Queen was deeply
attentive, the Archbishop of Canterbury advanced toward her Majesty,
and standing before her, thus addressed her:--
"'Madam, is your Majesty willing to take the oath?'
"The Queen answered, 'I am willing.'
"The Archbishop then ministered these questions; and the Queen answered
each question severally, as follows:--
"_Archbishop._--Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the
people of this United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the
dominions thereto belonging, according to the statutes in Parliament
agreed on, and the respective laws and customs of the same?
"_Queen._--I solemnly promise so to do.
"_Archbishop._--Will you to the utmost of your power cause law and
justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?
"_Queen._--I will.
"_Archbishop._--Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the laws
of God, the true profession of the Gospel, and the Protestant reformed
religion established by law? And will you maintain and preserve
inviolably the settlement of the United Church of England and Ireland,
and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as
by law established within England and Ireland, and the territories
thereunto belonging? And will you preserve unto the bishops and clergy
of England and Ireland, and to the churches there committed to their
charge, all such rights and privileges as by law do or shall appertain
to them, or any of them?
"_Queen._--All this I promise to do.
"The Queen then proceeded to the altar, attended by the various
functionaries, who had taken up their stations about her, and kneeling
before it, laid her right hand on the great Bible, and, in the sight of
her people, took a solemn oath, to observe the promises which she had
made, saying--
"'The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and
keep--So help me, God.'
"Her Majesty then kissed the book and set her royal sign manual to a
copy of the oath. After this solemn ceremony she returned to the chair,
and kneeling at her fald-stool, the choir sang, with the most touching
effect, the magnificent hymn--
"'Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And warm them with thy Heav'nly fire;
Thou who th' Anointing Spirit art,
To us thy sevenfold gifts impart;
Let thy bless'd unction from above
Be to us comfort, life, and love;
Enable with celestial light
The weakness of our mortal sight:
Anoint our hearts, and cheer our face,
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home--
Where Thou dost dwell no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And Spirit of both, to be but one,
That so through ages all along,
This may be our triumphant song;
In Thee, O Lord, we make our boast,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.'"
CHAPTER IX.
PARLEY CONTINUES HIS DESCRIPTION OF THE CORONATION IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
"THE ceremony of anointing followed next in order--Her Majesty having
been divested of her crimson robe by the Mistress of the Robes, took
her seat in St. Edward's chair, and the Dean of Westminster taking from
the altar the ampulla, containing the consecrated oil, and pouring some
of it into the anointing spoon, proceeded to anoint her Majesty on the
crown of the head and on the palm of both hands, in the form of a
cross--four knights of the garter holding over her head a rich cloth of
gold.
"The Dean of Westminster then took the spurs from the altar and
delivered them to the Lord Great Chamberlain, who, kneeling before her
Majesty, presented them to her, after which she forthwith sent them
back to the altar. The Viscount Melbourne, who carried the sword of
state, then delivered it to the Lord Chamberlain, receiving in lieu
thereof, another sword, in a scabbard of purple velvet, which his
lordship delivered to the archbishop, who laid it on the altar. After
a short prayer the archbishop took the sword from off the altar, and,
accompanied by several other bishops, delivered it into the Queen's
right hand. Then rising up her Majesty proceeded to the altar and
offered the sword in the scabbard, delivering it to the archbishop,
who placed it on the altar. Lord Melbourne then redeemed it by payment
of one hundred shillings, and having unsheathed it, bore it during the
remainder of the ceremony.
"The most important part of the ceremonial now approached: the Dean
of Westminster having received the imperial mantle of cloth of gold,
lined or furred with ermine, proceeded to invest her Majesty, who stood
up for the purpose. Having resumed her seat, the orb with the cross
was brought from the altar, and delivered into her Majesty's hand by
the archbishop; having in like manner been invested with the ring,
the sceptre and the rod with the dove were placed in each hand. The
archbishop, then, standing before the altar, took the crown into his
hands, and again laying it on the altar said--
"'O God, who crownest thy faithful servants with mercy and loving
kindness, look down upon this thy servant Victoria, our Queen, who now
in lowly devotion boweth her head to thy divine majesty; and as thou
dost this day set a crown of pure gold upon her head, so enrich her
royal heart with thy heavenly grace, and crown her with all princely
virtues, which may adorn the high station wherein thou hast placed her,
through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, to whom be honour and glory for ever
and ever. Amen.'
"The Royal Crown was then brought from the altar and placed on her
Majesty's head.
"At this instant the most deafening and enthusiastic cries of 'GOD SAVE
THE QUEEN!' rose from every part of the Abbey, the peers and peeresses
put on their coronets, the bishops their caps, and the spectators
cheered and waved their handkerchiefs. The guns in the park, and at the
tower, fired a royal salute.
"After a short prayer by the archbishop, the choir sang an anthem, and
the Dean of Westminster taking the Bible, which had been carried in
the procession, from off the altar, presented it to her Majesty, who,
having received it, delivered it again to the archbishop, and it was
returned to the altar.
"Having thus been solemnly anointed, and crowned, and invested with
all the ensigns of royalty, the archbishop solemnly blessed the Queen,
the rest of the bishops and the peers following every part of the
benediction with a loud and hearty 'Amen.'
"The _Te Deum_ was then sung by the choir, and her Majesty passing to
the recognition chair in which she first sat, received the homage of
the peers.
"The bishops first approached, and, kneeling before the Queen, the
archbishop pronounced the words of homage; the others repeating them
after him, and, kissing her Majesty's hand, retired.
"The Royal Dukes, ascending the steps of the throne, took off their
coronets, and kneeling, repeated the words of homage, and then,
touching the crown on her Majesty's head, kissed her on the left cheek
and retired.
"The other Peers then performed their homage, each in succession
touching the crown and kissing her Majesty's hand.
"The monotony of this ceremony was relieved by one little incident
which evinced much kindness on the part of her Majesty. As one of the
peers (Lord Rolle), who is a very aged and infirm man, approached the
throne, he stumbled and fell back from the second step upon the floor.
He was immediately raised, and supported by two noble lords; when he
again approached, her Majesty, who beheld the occurrence with emotion,
rose from her throne and advanced to meet him, extending her hand to
him, and expressed much concern for the accident. This little trait of
genuine goodness of heart was warmly cheered.
[Illustration: _Madeley lith. 3, Wellington St. Strand._
HER MAJESTY'S STATE CARRIAGE.]
"Peter Parley was highly amused at the scene which was enacted behind
the throne, where one of her Majesty's Household was busily engaged
scattering the coronation medals. Peers, Peeresses, Aldermen, and
Military officers engaging warmly in the scramble and eagerly clutching
at the coveted memorials.
"When the homage was concluded, her Majesty descended from the throne
and, proceeding to the altar, partook of the Holy Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper.
"The procession was then marshaled in the same order in which it had
entered the Abbey. The rich effect of the costumes was however much
heightened by the coronets of the peers.
"After a short stay in the robing rooms, the procession for the return
to Buckingham palace was formed, and the crowned Sovereign left
Westminster Abbey amid the enthusiastic greeting of her faithful and
devoted subjects.
"Of course, there were many poems and songs made on this joyful
occasion. The best which Peter Parley has seen is one by Charles Swain,
which will form a very appropriate conclusion to this chapter.
"'CORONATION SONG.
I.
"'Thou music of a nation's voice,
Thou grace of old Britannia's throne,
Thou light round which all hearts rejoice,
God save and guard thee, England's own!
While thousand, thousand hearts are thine,
And Britain's blessing rests on thee,
Pure may thy crown, Victoria, shine,
And all thy subjects _lovers_ be!
II.
"'Come, wives! from cottage--home, and field!
Come, daughters! oh, ye lovely, come!
Bid every tongue its homage yield,
Sound, trumpets, sound; and peal the drum!
GOD save the Queen! ring high, ye bells!
Swell forth a people's praise afar;
She's crowned the acclaiming cannon tells!
The Queen!--GOD save the Queen! hurrah!
III.
"'Long may she live to prove the best
And noblest crown a Queen can wear
Is that a people's love hath blessed,
Whose happiness is in her care!
GOD bless the Queen! ring sweet, ye bells!
Swell forth old England's joy afar,
She's crowned the exulting cannon tells;
The Queen!--GOD bless the Queen! hurrah!'"
CHAPTER X.
PARLEY GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE ILLUMINATIONS, AND OF THE GRAND DISPLAY
OF FIRE-WORKS.
"AFTER the splendid pageant, which had rivetted the attention of every
one during its continuance, had passed away, the fair in Hyde Park
seemed to be the great centre of popular attraction.
"Though pretty well tired out with the unusual exertion of the last
day or two, Peter Parley proceeded to Hyde Park to see what was going
on there. He had come across the Atlantic to see the show, and he was
determined to see all that was to be seen.
"How different an aspect did the park now present to what it did when
Peter Parley visited it but two days before! The fair was now begun
in good earnest, and there was no end to the booths for the sale of
fancy goods of every description. Tents for the supply of articles of
more substantial enjoyment were in equal abundance, and every one of
them seemed to be completely crowded. When Peter Parley had wandered
about the outskirts of the fair for some time, he saw a great many
people standing looking at a large erection which seemed more like a
house than a tent. He soon recognised the theatre of Mr. Richardson,
which he had seen erecting when he first visited the park; as he drew
near he saw that the people were laughing and enjoying the antics of a
clown or merry-andrew, who was dressed in a parti-coloured dress, and
was cutting the most ridiculous capers, to the no small delight of the
spectators.
"Peter Parley loves a little fun, and can laugh as loud as any one at
innocent amusement, so he got close up to the booth to see how the
clown acquitted himself.
"'Come along, old boy!--this way, this way, father Adam!' cried the
fellow to Peter Parley, when he saw him advancing--'make way there,
ladies and gentlemen!' he continued, leaping right over the head of a
countryman who was gazing at him with intense delight, at the same time
knocking his hat over his eyes so as completely to blindfold him. In
an instant the clown stood beside Peter Parley, and was hurrying him
up the steps of the theatre before he knew what he was about. Peter
Parley, however, did not relish such a summary mode of introduction, so
he disengaged himself from the fellow's grasp and moved to another part
of the fair, amid the rude laughter of the by-standers.
"Peter Parley was amazed at the number of round-abouts and swings of
every description, which beat the air and performed their evolutions
with almost incessant rapidity. Some of them in the form of boats,
which in the course of their movements rose and sunk alternately so as
to imitate the motion of a vessel on the water, seemed particularly
ingenious and appeared to be in constant request. Donkey races, too,
lent their attractions, and altogether such a scene of gaiety Peter
Parley never witnessed.
"As long as daylight lasted these out-of-door amusements seemed to
lose little or none of their attractions. When it became too dark for
their performance people crowded into the theatres and tents, or waited
patiently for the grand display of fireworks which was to take place
at a late hour in the evening.
"By way of making the most of his time Peter Parley got into a hackney
coach and drove through the principal parts of the town to see the
illuminations, which it was expected were to be on a grand scale.
"All along the line of the procession the display was most splendid,
and though many of the exhibitions of private individuals were
beautiful and tasteful, the public offices certainly carried off the
palm. Peter Parley thinks he never saw such a brilliant display as that
at the Ordnance Office, in Pall Mall, the whole front of which was one
blaze of light. Peter Parley was told that there were no fewer than
sixty thousand lamps employed in the devices!
"The Admiralty, Somerset House, and the Horse Guards, shared, with the
Ordnance Office, the attention of the evening. The former displayed a
magnificent imperial crown surmounting an anchor, with the union flag
on each side in coloured lamps. It had also an inscription, 'God save
the Queen.'
"Somerset House, in which are several of the public offices, excited
a good deal of attention from a novelty in the art of illumination.
Instead of being lighted up with oil, the coloured lamps were
illuminated with gas, which added greatly to their brilliancy and
effect. The Horse Guards was, also, lit up in the same manner, and was
equally attractive.
"There were, besides these, hundreds of others well worth looking at
and remembering too; but so many attractions offered themselves to his
notice on every side, that Peter Parley does not know which to tell you
about.
"After being satisfied with gazing at the illuminations, Peter Parley
again proceeded to the Park, as the time approached for the grand
display of fireworks.
"So dense was the crowd of eager spectators, that it was with
difficulty that Peter Parley could gain access to the Park. He
succeeded at length, however, thanks to the virtue of perseverance,
which has done much for him in the course of his life.
"The display commenced by the discharge of what is called a maroon
battery, which fired off successively a series of immense crackers,
each giving a report like the loudest cannon. The commencement of the
spectacle was hailed with loud cheers by the assemblage, many of whom
had waited several hours, and were beginning to lose all patience at
the delay.
"This startling display was immediately followed by an exhibition of
coloured fire, and four balloon mortars shooting forth serpents and
squibs of every variety of colour. The beautiful variety of tints,
blue, green, red, and purple, to which some of these gave rise when
they exploded in the air, was most magnificent.
"For two whole hours did the gentlemen who had the direction of this
exhibition continue the display, each successive variety vieing in
beauty and brilliancy with that by which it was preceded, to the
delight of all beholders, many of whom, and Peter Parley among others,
never witnessed such a grand sight. The young Queen, it was said,
enjoyed the splendour and beauty of the sight from the palace window,
with as much interest and delight as any of her subjects.
"It was almost one o'clock before the fireworks were concluded, and
nearly an hour later before Peter Parley could make his way home; and
the sun rose high in heaven before he awoke next morning.
"Peter Parley must not omit to mention that all the theatres and places
of public amusement were, by her Majesty's command, open to the public
free; of course they were all filled, but Peter Parley did not visit
any of them.
"It pleased Peter Parley to hear that the poor and the unfortunate were
no less kindly attended to. In almost every parish committees were
formed by the inhabitants for the purpose of collecting subscriptions
and arranging matters for regaling the poor and the children attending
the charity schools, so that to all the 28th of June should be a day
of rejoicing. Nor were the unfortunate inhabitants of the prisons
forgotten. In all those belonging to the city, they were each allowed
an ample repast, and in some of the others the great brewers supplied
them with a good allowance of ale or porter."
CHAPTER XI.
PARLEY ATTENDS A REVIEW IN HYDE PARK, AND RELATES SOME PASSAGES IN THE
LIFE OF MARSHAL SOULT.--CONCLUSION.
"PETER PARLEY had begun to recover from the fatigue which he had
undergone, and was thinking of once more crossing the Atlantic, and
returning to the enjoyment of his quiet home, when one morning at
breakfast, Major Meadows announced that there was to be a grand review
in Hyde Park, on a scale of such splendour, that Peter Parley must see
it before he left town.
"The day fortunately turned out one of the most beautiful that could be
conceived, and the crowds of persons who assembled to witness the grand
military display, were very great. It was estimated by some of the
military officers, who are accustomed to form pretty accurate notions
of vast bodies of men, that at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, there
were not less than two hundred thousand spectators present, in and
around the Park.
[Illustration: MARSHAL SOULT'S STATE CARRIAGE.]
"Early in the day the troops began to arrive, and by ten o'clock all
the regiments to be reviewed were on the ground. Shortly after, the
Duke of Wellington, Lord Hill, and a great number of English military
officers, as well as Marshal Soult, and all the foreign ambassadors,
attended by their brilliant suites, arrived, and were every where
received with great cheering.
"At half-past eleven her Majesty arrived accompanied by her suite in
four carriages, each drawn by four horses, and escorted by a detachment
of Life Guards. She was attended by her Aides-de-Camp in full military
uniform. The arrival of the royal party was announced by a discharge
of cannon, the band striking up the national anthem, and the soldiers
presenting arms as her Majesty approached.
"The great attraction among the foreign visitants was Marshal Soult,
who, as usual, excited much attention. As he rode close past the spot
where Peter Parley and his friend Major Meadows had taken their stand,
his stirrup broke, and we feared he would have fallen from his horse,
but the Marshal is a good rider, and quickly recovered. Peter Parley
afterwards saw a curious anecdote in the newspapers connected with this
accident. On learning what had happened, Sir H. Vivian immediately
dispatched a messenger to the saddlers to the Ordnance, to procure a
pair of stirrups to replace the broken one. It happened, singularly
enough, that the Saddlers had in their possession the stirrups which
Napoleon used in many of his campaigns; so that Marshal Soult, during
this review, actually did what was next to standing in his master's
shoes!
"Seeing that Peter Parley was very much interested in the Marshal,
Major Meadows, who had been engaged in the Peninsular war, and had
fought against him in some of his most celebrated battles, continued,
when our attention was not completely occupied by the evolutions of the
troops, to relate many most interesting anecdotes of his distinguished
career.
"'Marshal Soult,' said Major Meadows, 'is a very singular man, Mr.
Parley, and like many of Napoleon's generals, rose from the very
humblest rank. He entered the army as a private soldier, and, after
serving some time in this capacity in a royal regiment of infantry, he
became sub-lieutenant of grenadiers.
"'He afterwards rose through the various ranks, till in 1796 he was
appointed general of brigade, and sent to join the army of Italy. Here
he soon won for himself new laurels, and his fame attracted the notice
of Napoleon, who henceforth honoured him with his personal esteem.
"'On the eve of the memorable battle of Austerlitz, in which he was
entrusted with the command of the centre of the army, Napoleon, as
usual, called his marshals together to explain his plans to them, and
to give them instructions for their guidance. To the others he was
minute in his directions, in proportion to the importance of the posts
assigned to them. When he came to Soult, however, he merely said, 'as
for you, Soult, I have only to say, act as you always do.'
"'In the midst of the battle, an aide-de-camp arrived with an order
that the Marshal should instantly push forward and gain certain
heights. 'I will obey the Emperor's commands as soon as I can,' replied
Soult, 'but this is not the proper time.' Napoleon, enraged at the
delay, sent a second messenger, with more peremptory orders. The second
aide-de-camp arrived just as the Marshal was putting his column in
motion. The manoeuvre had been delayed because Soult observed that his
opponents were extending their lines, and, consequently, weakening
their centre. Complete success attended the attack. Napoleon, who, from
the elevated position which he occupied, saw the attack, instantly
perceived the reason for the delay, and the brilliancy of the movement,
and riding up to Soult, complimented him in the presence of his staff,
who, but a few minutes before, had seen him angry at the supposed
disobedience, saying, 'Marshal, I account you the ablest tactician in
my empire!'
"'After the battle of Eylau, Napoleon was very much discouraged at
the loss he had sustained, and wished to fall back, so as to form a
junction with the other corps of his army. Against this resolution
Soult warmly protested, telling the Emperor, that from what he had
seen, he expected the enemy would retreat during the night, and thus
leave the French army in possession of the field. Napoleon complied
with the Marshal's advice, and every thing took place just as he had
foretold. So that it was to the sagacity of Soult that the French army
owes the honour of the victory of Eylau.
"'In 1808, Soult, now Duke of Dalmatia, was entrusted with the command
of the army in Spain, and his first movement was to pursue the gallant
Sir John Moore in his memorable retreat towards Corunna. Under the
walls of that town he engaged the British army, but, after a sharp
contest, was completely repulsed. The British general, however, was
killed in the action, and was buried in the citadel, his corpse wrapped
in a military cloak, and the guns of his enemy paying his funeral
honours. Marshal Soult, with that noble feeling which can only exist in
minds of true greatness erected a monument to his memory, near the spot
where he so nobly fell.
"'To the Duke of Dalmatia Napoleon entrusted the command of the army,
when the defeat of the French at Vittoria had placed the Peninsula
at the mercy of the Duke of Wellington. After a series of conflicts,
which covered the British army and its able general with glory, Soult,
finding the cause of his imperial master hopeless, gave up the contest
and returned to Paris.
"'Soult afterwards fought at Waterloo, but without that distinction
which might have been expected from his old renown. After this battle,
which for ever stamped the fate of Napoleon, and showed Wellington the
greatest general of the age, Soult retired to the country, and lived
for some years in seclusion. He was however recalled, and created a
peer of France by Charles X.'
"Such was Major Meadows' account of this celebrated man. To Peter
Parley he was an object of great interest, because his presence
recalled the remembrance of some of the spirit-stirring events in
which he had been a participator; not that Peter Parley is an admirer
of military genius or delights in military renown. He would rather do
honour to the humblest benefactor of the human race than the greatest
general that ever lived. With him the glory of James Watt, the inventor
of the steam-engine, far outshines the lustre of a Soult, or a Ney,
or an Alexander! and he would rather be the author of the Waverley
Novels than be crowned with the blood-stained laurels of a Napoleon or
a Wellington!
"Peter Parley is one of those who hope the time is now come when the
sound of war will be heard no more, and nations, instead of wasting
their energies in deeds of blood, will strive to rival each other only
in the peaceful pursuits of commerce and the arts."
* * * * *
"Peter Parley must now bid his young friends good bye! When he meets
them again he hopes to find them all equally willing to be pleased and
as patient and attentive to the tales which he tells them, as they have
been to his 'VISIT TO LONDON DURING THE CORONATION OF QUEEN VICTORIA.'"
[Illustration]
FINIS.
CLARKE, Printers, Silver Street, Falcon Square.
JUVENILE WORKS JUST PUBLISHED.
STORIES ABOUT DOGS,
ILLUSTRATIVE OF
THEIR INSTINCT, SAGACITY, AND FIDELITY.
BY THOMAS BINGLEY,
_Author of "Stories about Instinct."_
Embellished with Engravings from Drawings by
THOMAS LANDSEER.
_Price 4s. neatly bound._
NOW READY, BY THE SAME AUTHOR,
STORIES
ILLUSTRATIVE OF
THE INSTINCT OF ANIMALS,
THEIR CHARACTERS AND HABITS.
WITH ENGRAVINGS BY THOMAS LANDSEER.
_Four Shillings bound._
II.
TALES OF SHIPWRECKS,
AND OTHER DISASTERS AT SEA.
WITH ENGRAVINGS,
_Four Shillings bound._
APPROVED JUVENILE WORKS.
TALES OF ENTERPRISE,
For the Amusement of Youth,
BY PAUL HOPKINS,
WITH ENGRAVINGS, BEAUTIFULLY BOUND AND GILT.
_Price Half-a-Crown._
_Price 5s. bound in ornamented cloth._
BIBLE QUADRUPEDS;
THE
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ANIMALS MENTIONED IN
SCRIPTURE.
WITH SIXTEEN ENGRAVINGS.
"This is an excellent little tome for young people; cherishing at the
same time a love for the Holy volume and a taste for natural history.
It contains sixteen nice pictures of the most prominent subjects, by S.
Williams."--_Literary Gazette._
CHARLES TILT, FLEET STREET.
LIST OF PLATES.
I.--THE CORONATION OF QUEEN VICTORIA.
II.--HER MAJESTY LEAVING BUCKINGHAM PALACE.
III.--MARSHAL SOULT'S STATE CARRIAGE.
IV.--HER MAJESTY'S STATE CARRIAGE.
V.--THE PROCESSION APPROACHING WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
VI.--HER MAJESTY LEAVING HER PRIVATE APARTMENTS IN
WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
End of Project Gutenberg's Peter Parley's Visit to London, by Peter Parley
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