Protestant Dissenters.

133

rural seclusion, that led them to hasten and almost to anticipate the usual forms-to crowd the matri

such occasions, expected the honour of "kissing hands." This was considered quite inadmissible; however, after retiring to consult her Royal Highness (as was supposed) the ministers were introduced, and read to the Prince and Princess their address, which was most graciously received; but the honour to which they aspired not being offered, the learned and venerable Dr. Rees, being at the head of the Deputation, addressed her Royal Highness to the following effect: "That the Dissenters; as such, had but few privileges; these few, however, they greatly prized, and among them that of access to royalty, on all public occasions, to express their loyalty and fidelity to the House of Brunswick-that on all occasions of addressing the female branches of the Royal Family, they had been permitted to kiss their royal hands, and they hoped that, on this occasion, the same favour would be granted."-" By all means," replied the Princess," if it will be any gratification," and with that cheerful courtesy for which her conduct was remarkable, instantly threw off her glové, held out her hand, and went round the circle, without waiting for their individual approach. Not only so, but after the Deputation had departed, she professed herself highly pleased with the attention paid her by the Dissenters, as she was sure they could have no sinister views to answer,

It was remarked, by every one present on this occasion, in how easy, unostentatious, nay, even respectful style, they were received. No one of the Deputation, indeed, can possibly forget the dignified and graceful manner in which her Royal Highness read the answer. Her illustrious husband stood at her right hand. Every one admired the simple elegance of her dress, her soft and sprightly manners, and her whole deportment, which was marked with kindness, perfectly feminine, and, therefore, perfectly fascinating. In short, the whole assemblage retired highly gratified, full of admiration and hope; many of them silently presenting a

134

Nuptial Drawing Room.

monial - Iliad into a nutshell-and to become, at once, the plain English lady and gentleman, enjoying the calm pleasures that enliven, and alleviating the rustic sorrows that often surround, a country retirement. In pursuance of this plan, all public show and exhibition were crowded into the first half of the honey moon.

TO The first of these was the nuptial Drawing Room; and it having been officially announced that the Queen would hold a Drawing Room on Thursday, to receive the congratulations of the nobility and gentry on the marriage, a greater interest was excited among the public, and the Court itself was more splendidly and numerously attended, than on any previous occasion. It is supposed, that between two and three thousand persons were present. As early as ten o'clock in the morning, all the foot-paths about Buckingham House were crowded with spectators, while the great hall and windows of the Palace were filled with more select visitants admitted by tickets. The company

began to

!

so to arrive soon after twelve, and continued

so to do till past four o'clock.

The royal pair,

prayer to the throne of grace that she might live long, blest and made a blessing.*

The Prince and Princess afterwards went out to take a short ride before dinner in their curricle; the crowd took off their hats and gave them loud huzzas, the Prince in return took off his hat and bowed; the Princess Charlotte stood, curtsyed, bowed, &c.

See Sermon by the Rev. W. Newman, D.D.

Bridal Display.

135

the grand object of attraction, arrived at a quarter before two o'clock. They came in state, es corted by Life-Guards, and preceded by three carriages containing their suite. The Queen, with the Princesses, entered the Drawing-room at two. The company immediately addressed her Majesty with their congratulations, and then passed on to pay their respects to the Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold, who stood on the right hand of her Majesty the Princess fondly repeating her happiness to every enquirer.

1

The Princess Charlotte and her happy husband left the Palace in the same state with which they entered, and were received on their departure, as at their entrance, with loud huzzas by the populace, forming one of the most respectable throngs of spectators ever beheld.

The exterior of the Palace, as well as the interior, had the most splendid and fascinating appearance. The company, who had paid their congratulatory respects to the Queen at the commencement of the Drawing-room, were not able to leave the Palace, their carriages not having room to draw up till all the company had set down. The windows of the Palace were filled with elegantes, others promenaded the Palace court-yard, and the grass-plot, which gave it more the appearance of a grand fete or gala. Such an assemblage, in such splendid dresses, parading in the open air, probably was never before witnessed on any occasion; and the

effect of the promenade was considerably heightened by the excellent accompaniment of some charming pieces by the band.

During the whole of this trying scene, the modest, yet happy demeanour, of the Royal Bride, was gratifying to every heart; and an example to her fair compatriots on similar occasions. Let us add, too, that another part of her conduct was a bright example to the Ladies of Britain; may it be impressed upon their hearts and minds, and it will be a valuable legacy from her, who thus, even from the tomb, inculcates a lesson of patriotism that would have been strengthened by her virtuous endeavours, had Providence spared her to us! Every part of her dress, and that of the richest kind, with the exception of some foreign laces, was of British manufacture!

Public Applause,

137

CHAPTER VI.

Rural Excursions-Opera House and Theatres-Courtly Honours -Treaty of Marriage-Public Congratulations--Freedom of the City-National Hopes and Disappointment-Musical Anecdote.

EVERY succeeding day, as the Royal Pair rode out in their curricle, free from all state and restraint, they were greeted with the loudest acclamations from the crowds that surrounded their dwelling. On those occasions the affable manner in which they received the boisterous yet heartfelt congratulations of admiring multitudes, was highly gratifying to all ranks. They did not confine their excursions to the Parks, but drove round all parts of the metropolis and its vicinity; and it was delightful to mark the eager pleasure with which the lovely bride, and future Sovereign, pointed out to her happy companion the various beauties and excellencies of this land of happiness-a land now so mournfully bewailing her loss!

Fashionable expectation was now on the alert to see the happy pair at the Opera House on Saturday the 18th; and, as it was the first time that her Royal Highness honoured any public spectacle with her presence since the auspicious event which