uite beautiful all in their robes, and the
Peers on the other side. My young train-bearers were always near me,
and helped me whenever I wanted anything. The Bishop of Durham[21]
stood on the side near me, but he was, as Lord Melbourne told me,
remarkably _maladroit_, and never could tell me what was to take
place. At the beginning of the Anthem, where I've made a mark, I
retired to St Edward's Chapel, a dark small place immediately behind
the Altar, with my ladies and train-bearers--took off my crimson robe
and kirtle, and put on the supertunica of cloth of gold, also in the
shape of a kirtle, which was put over a singular sort of little gown
of linen trimmed with lace; I also took off my circlet of diamonds and
then proceeded bareheaded into the Abbey; I was then seated upon St
Edward's chair, where the Dalmatic robe was clasped round me by the
Lord Great Chamberlain. Then followed all the various things; and last
(of those things) the Crown being placed on my head--which was, I must
own, a most beautiful impressive moment; _all_ the Peers and Peeresses
put on their coronets at the same instant.

[Footnote 21: Edward Maltby, 1770-1859.]

My excellent Lord Melbourne, who stood very close to me throughout
the whole ceremony, was _completely_ overcome at this moment, and
very much affected; he gave me _such_ a kind, and I may say _fatherly_
look. The shouts, which were very great, the drums, the trumpets, the
firing of the guns, all at the same instant, rendered the spectacle
most imposing.

[Pageheading: HOMAGE]

The Enthronisation and the Homage of, first, all the Bishops, and then
my Uncles, and lastly of all the Peers, in their respective order
was very fine. The Duke of Norfolk (holding for me the Sceptre with a
Cross) with Lord Melbourne stood close to me on my right, and the
Duke of Richmond with the other Sceptre on my left, etc., etc. All my
train-bearers, etc., standing behind the Throne. Poor old Lord Rolle,
who is 82, and dreadfully infirm, in attempting to ascend the steps
fell and rolled quite down, but was not the least hurt; when he
attempted to re-ascend them I got up and advanced to the end of the
steps, in order to prevent another fall. When Lord Melbourne's turn to
do Homage came, there was loud cheering; they also cheered Lord Grey
and the Duke of Wellington; it's a pretty ceremony; they first all
touch the Crown, and then kiss my hand. When my good Lord Melbourne
knelt down and kissed my