mn reverences to the Queen, took again their places. Then the same
gentleman that laid down the spear, took it up again and threw it out of
the window into the great court; where a multitude of people stood
expecting it, and scrambled for the head of it, and for the taffeta,
which they tore in pieces and wore in their hats as the bride's favours.

After this ceremony ended, the bridegroom came and took the bride by the
hand, and they marched after the torches to the sound of the drums and
trumpets; after that the bridegroom took the Queen by the hand, and the
bride came and took the English Ambassador by the hand, and other
noblemen took their several ladies, and they marched two and two amidst
the torches and to the same loud music as they had done the night
before. After this the noblemen and ladies went to dance French dances
and country dances; but Whitelocke having watched the night before, and
not being well, he privately withdrew himself from the company and
retired to his house, wondering that the Queen, after so serious a work
as she had been at in the morning, could be so pleased with this
evening's ceremonies.

_May 12, 1654._

[SN: Despatches from England.]

About one o'clock the last night, Whitelocke, coming from the solemnities
of the Court, received two packets of letters from England. He had the
more cause to remember the time, because then, although midnight, he
could perfectly read his letters without any candle or other light than
that of the heavens, which in this season of the year scarce leaves any
night at all, but so as one may well read all the night long with the
help of twilight.

The letters from Thurloe of the first date acquainted Whitelocke that now
he had sent duplicates of the last instructions by a ship going to
Sweden. In Thurloe's second letters, dated 13th of April, he mentions the
instructions sent formerly to Whitelocke, and acquaints him again with
the effect of them, and the Protector's order, by which he leaves it to
Whitelocke to return home when he shall judge it fit; and that if he
should stay the ceremonies of the coronation of the new King, it would
occasion great delay. And he writes further:--

"But in truth we cannot believe, notwithstanding all that is said,
that her Majesty will quit her crown, being so well qualified in
all respects to govern as she is, and seems to be very well accepted
of her people."

Then he again mentions the signing of