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generally imagined, that the ceremonial of a public inauguration was not intended by his Majesty, nor by his ministers, till the subject was brought before the House of Lords by the Duke of Wellington."

It is well known that the king was averse to put the country to the enormous expense attending the gorgeous pageantry which custom had connected with this imposing ceremony, for Earl Grey said as much in the House of Peers, in answer to the Duke of Wellington. It was found, however, to be proper to follow the example of former sovereigns, although William's apprehension of the necessity does not seem to have been strong.

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"A circumstance of peculiar interest, connected with the Coronation, should here be mentioned, as exhibiting the just and constitutional views entertained by the late King of his exalted office. At the grand dinner which followed the ceremonial, his Majesty gave as a toast, in his own frank and true English manner, The Land we live in :' adding, that the day had afforded him satisfaction; but that he did not at all agree with those who had considered the ceremony as indispensable, for that the compact between the Prince and the people was as binding on his mind before, as after; that no member of the House of Hanover could forget the condition on which he held the crown;' and his Majesty repeated, (striking the table with energy,) that he was not a whit more desirous now, than before taking the oath, to watch over the liberties, and promote the welfare, of his people.' The Duke of Wellington was present."

A punctilious observance of ceremony was not one of our late King's foibles, as many circumstances prove. Take, as one example, the following:

"In the early part of the year 1831, a gentleman left town for Brighton, where, passing along the Steyne, he met the King. His Majesty, with his usual frank urbanity, accosted him as an old acquaintance.

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Ah, L

how are you? what brings you here? how long do you stay?' L replied, he came to see a sick relation, and was obliged to return the ensuing day. Pooh, pooh, pooh,' said his Majesty, 'you must dine with me first.' Please your Majesty, I am under the necessity of returning immediately.' Nonsense; come to-morrow. Sir Herbert, do you mind, L—— does not go away without dining with me.' L whispered to Sir Herbert, that it was quite impossible he could avail himself of the honour, for he was deficient in a certain article of dress. Sir Herbert overwhelmed poor L, by at once informing his Majesty of his reason for declining the honour-namely, that he had no breeches. Nonsense-ceremony-stuff -let him come without, let him come without,' said the King."

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Descriptive of the peculiarities of temperament and still more of those indulgences which we presume, are identified with the habits of royally educated youths, Prince William seems to have had his share of errors in the way of abrupt, rash and unmannerly thoughtlessness and frowardness. Mark the following instances, with the appended corrections.

"One day, the Royal Duke, being left only with Lady

the Young

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Roscius, and the painter, and perhaps worn a little out of patience with the tedium of an unusually long sitting, thought to beguile an idle minute by quizzing the personal appearance of the royal academician. It is well known that Northcote, at no period of life, was either a buck, a blood, a fop, or maccaroni; he soon despatched the business of the toilette, when a young man; and, as he advanced to a later period, he certainly could not be dubbed a dandy. The loose gown, in which he painted, was principally composed of shreds and patches, and might perchance be half a century old; his white hair was sparingly bestowed on each side, and his cranium was entirely bald. Thus loosely attired, the Royal Visitor, standing behind whilst he painted, gently lifted, or rather twitched, the collar of the gown; which Mr. Northcote resented, by suddenly turning, and expressing his displeasure by a frown. Nothing daunted, his Royal Highness presently, with his finger, touched the professor's grey locks, observing. You do not devote much time to the toilette, I perceive-pray-how long do you?'— Northcote instantly replied, Sir, I never allow any one to take personal liberties with me: you are the first that ever presumed to do so, and I beg your Royal Highness to recollect that I am in my own house.' He then resumed his painting. The Prince, whatever he thought or felt, kept it to himself; and, remaining silent for some minutes, Mr. Northcote addressed his conversation to the lady, when the Royal Duke, gently opening the door of the studio, shut it after him, and walked away. Northcote did not quit his post, but proceeded with his painting. It happened that the royal carriage was not ordered until five o'clock: it was now not four. Presently the Royal Duke returned, re-opened the door, and said, Mr. Northcote, it rains; pray, lend me an umbrella.' Northcote, without emotion, rang the bell; the servant attended, and he desired her to bring her mistress's umbrella, that being the best in the house, and sufficiently handsome. The Royal Duke patiently waited for it in the back drawing-room, the studio door still open; when having received it, he again walked down stairs, attended by the female servant, who, on opening the street door, his Royal Highness thanked her, and, spreading the umbrella, departed. Surely, his Royal Highness is not gone; I wish you would allow me to ask,' said Lady. Certainly, his Royal Highness is gone,' replied Northcote, but I will inquire, at your instance.' The bell was rung again, and the servant confirmed the assertion. 'Dear Mr. Northcote,' said Lady 'I fear you have highly offended his Royal Highness.' Madam,' replied the painter, I am the offended party.' Lady made no other remark, than wishing her carriage had arrived; which soon happening, Mr. Northcote courteously attended her down to the hall; he bowed, she curtsied, and, stepping into her carriage, set off with the infant Roscius. The next day, about noon, Mr. Northcote happening to be alone, a gentle tap was heard, and the studio door opened, when, who should walk in but his Royal Highness; ' Mr. Northcote,' said he 'I am come to return your sister's umbrella, which she was so good as to lend me yesterday.' The painter bowed, received it, and placed it in a corner. I brought it myself, Mr. Northcote, that I might have the opportunity of saying, that I yesterday took a very unbecoming liberty with you, and you properly resented it; I really am angry with myself, and hope you will forgive me, and think no more of it.' And what did you say?' inquired the first friend to whom he related the cir

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cumstance. Say! why, nothing; I only bowed, and he might see what I felt. I could at the instant have sacrificed my life for him: such a Prince is worthy to be a King!' The venerable painter had the gratification to live to see him King.

"The following is another instance of the handsome manner in which the Royal Personage could correct any trifling indecorum into which, from his frankness, he might chance to fall. Being once in a fashionable shop at Brighton, the Duke was struck with the entrance of three ladies in the dress of Quakers. While the two eldest were looking over some of the articles, the Duke addressed himself to the youngest, who was about fourteen, and said, 'So, I see that thou art not above the vanities of this gay world.' The fair young Friend said nothing; but the matron, under whose care she was, gave a look more expressive than words. The Prince felt it; and immediately purchasing a handsome work-basket, respectfully asked the eldest lady for permission to present it to her daughter. The answer was mild, but laconic. She will receive it, and thank thee friend.' The basket was accordingly taken, with the same courtesy as given; and thus the matter ended."

We shall now throw into a condensed shape, a few of the most striking passages belonging to the last days of King William's life, during which his mortal conflict was great, and its ravages speedy. We follow certain "Recollections" of these days, as set down in an "Appendix," furnished by one who subscribes himself " J. R. W." dated Bushy House, July 14, 1837." Concerning the writer of these Recollections, our author says that the initials quoted sufficiently demonstrate that the most full confidence may be placed in them; alluding, we presume, to the chaplain, whose name shall be mentioned in the course of our statement. As may already have been clearly perceived, our endeavour is not to select what is most novel in the work before us, but a few of those notices and anecdotes that are most characteristic of the individuals and events described.

From these Recollections we learn, that on the 22nd of May his Majesty's ministers obtained exceedingly unfavourable impressions of his health, from the remarkable change that had recently taken place in his appearance. On May the 27th, however, he felt still sufficiently strong to hold a council. But that his debility was now great, and the exertion too much, may be inferred from the fact that he had lost the power of walking, and had to be wheeled into the council-room in an easy chair. He continued to the last hour of his existence, however, to manifest the utmost consideration for the public good, deeming no sacrifice which he himself could make sufficient for that end. His anxiety also to soothe the feelings of all around him seems to have been remarkable; the display of his tender affections, no doubt, owing much of its warmth and delicacy to the composure, resignation, patience, and equanimity which he constantly was master of in such trying circumstances. Indeed, whatever may be thought of some parts of his Majesty's earlier history, we think it is impossible for the eye of the Christian to

alight upon one recorded passage belonging to his death-bed which is not beautiful, and the rightful source of hope.

It is stated in the document before us that at no period, from the commencement of the king's last illness, was he insensible to his critical state. On the 16th of June, he observed to the queen, "I have had some quiet sleep; come and pray with me, and thank the Almighty for it." Her Majesty joined in this act of devotion, and when the King had ceased, said, "And shall I not pray to the Almighty that you may have a good day?" To which he replied, "Oh, do! I wish I could live ten years, for the sake of the country, I feel it my duty to keep well as long as I can,"-thus evincing that his solicitude in reference to the embarrassment into which the nation might be thrown by his early dissolution, was superior to that which concerned his own personal health.

One day when Mr. Wood entered the King's room, his Majesty said, "I will thank you, my dear sir, to read all the prayers till you come to the prayer for the church militant." The reverend gentleman adds," his Majesty intended to include the communion service, and all the other parts of the liturgy used in the celebration of public worship." The Recollections continue-" It was equally an affecting and an instructive lesson to observe the devout humility of his Majesty, fervently dwelling, as could be perceived from his manner and the intonation of his voice, on every passage which bore even the most remote application to his own circumstances." "During the whole service his attention was undisturbed, and he experienced none of those fits of coughing and oppression, which for some time past had formed an almost uninterrupted characteristic of his complaint. As Mr. Wood withdrew, his Majesty graciously expressed his thanks, and afterwards said to the Queen, It has been a great comfort to me.'

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The Queen and other members of the household seem to have frequently also joined his Majesty in religious services, and to have read to him what was best calculated to afford him consolation; so that altogether when the reader of the present volumes has fresh upon his mind a view of the orderly and affectionate habits which uniformly prevailed in their domestic circle, the close of the drama produces a still deeper, more touching, and attractive picture than could otherwise, or without such preliminaries, have been exhibited to the imagination.

On Sunday, the 18th of June, the Archbishop of Canterbury administered the sacrament to the King, the Queen, and one of his daughters. As his Grace withdrew, his Majesty, inclining his head, said, "God bless you-a thousand, a thousand thanks!" Although the service alluded to had fatigued the King, it was not long ere he requested the attendance again of the Archbishop; the presence of this dignitary seeming to comfort the royal patient, even

when too weak to converse. At one time he took the hand of this spiritual consoler, and pressing it fervently, said in a tone which was only audible to the Queen, "I am sure the Archbishop is one of those persons who pray for me." On another occasion he said, addressing the same personage, "God bless thee, dear, excellent, worthy man a thousand, thousand thanks."

On June 19, the King on awaking, observed to the Queen, "I shall get up once more to do the business of the country," although on the 18th he had told one of his medical attendants, "Let me but live over this memorable day-I shall never live to see another sunset." It was on the 19th that the Archbishop of Canterbury read to him the service for the Visitation of the Sick, and when, as the form of blessing was pronounced in that service, the Queen, for the first time, in his Majesty's apartment, was overpowered by the weight of affliction, he, observing her emotion, said, "Bear up, bear up." After this, he saw all his children; " and as they successively knelt to kiss the hand, gave them his blessing in the most affectionate terms, suitable to the character and circumstances of each." He had avoided all along alluding in distinct terms to death, in her Majesty's presence: but on the day of which we have just been speaking, he besought her not to make herself uneasy about him, evidently anticipating his speedy dissolution, which was, in fact, close at hand.

It was the Queen's very frequent exercise, gently to chafe his Majesty's hand, this assurance of her presence yielding him manifest comfort. Not many hours before the closing scene, when his weakness was such that he scarcely opened his eyes," save to raise them in prayer to heaven, with a look expressive of the most perfect resignation;" he once or twice uttered, "Thy will be done." It is added, that on one occasion he used the words, "The church -the church!" and the name of the Archbishop. When his Grace for the last time withdrew from the King's presence, saying, "My best prayers are offered up for your Majesty," the reply was in "slow and feeble yet distinct utterance, Believe me, I am a religious man." We quote some of the last of the Recollections

before us.

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"His weakness now rendered it impracticable to remove him into his usual bed-room, and a bed was accordingly prepared in the royal closet, which communicates with the apartment in which his Majesty had passed the last ten days of his life. At half-past ten the King was seized with a fainting fit, the effects of which were mistaken by many for the stroke of death. However, his Majesty, gradually, though imperfectly, revived, and was then removed into his bed.

"From this time his voice was not heard, except to pronounce the name of his valet. In less than an hour his Majesty expired without a struggle and without a groan, the Queen kneeling at the bedside, and still affection

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