alert; and from almost every part of the shore
as they passed along, gaily dressed company was embarking, while merry
peals of bells seemed to announce approaching delight. The steeples on
shore, and the vessels in the river, exhibited flags and streamers,
which gave an additional splendour to the scene. All was anxiety and
expectation; numerous barges and pleasure-boats, laden with elegant
company, were speeding the same way, and every moment increasing, so
that the whole view displayed a combination of beauty, fashion, and
loyalty not often surpassed.

~~379~~~ On arriving off the Tower, it was soon ascertained that
the Lord Mayor and City Companies had got the start of them, and
consequently they proceeded on their journey, not doubting but they
should overtake them before reaching Greenwich; and in this expectation
they were not disappointed; for soon after passing Rotherhithe Church,
they came up with the City State Barge, which was towed by a steam
boat, accompanied by several other state barges, the whole filled with
company. The brightness of the morning, and the superb appearance of
these gaily manned, and it might be added gaily womaned gallies, (for
a numerous party of fashionably attired ladies added their embellishing
presence to the spectacle) formed altogether a picture of more than
ordinary interest and magnificence.

"This Royal Visit to Scotland," said Sparkle, "has for some time past
been a prevailing topic of discussion from one end of the Land of Cakes
to the other, and the preparations for his Majesty's reception are of
the most splendid description--triumphal arches are to be erected, new
roads to be made, banquets to be given, general illuminations to take
place, body guards of royal archers to be appointed, and the dull light
of oil lamps to be totally obscured by the full blaze of Royal Gas. Then
there are to be meetings of the civil and municipal authorities from
every town and county, presenting loyal and dutiful addresses; and it is
expected that there will be so much booing among the "Carle's when the
King's come," that the oilmen are said to be not a whit disconcerted at
the introduction of gas lights, the unctuous article being at present
in great demand, for the purpose of suppling the stiff joints of the
would-be courtiers, who have resolved to give a characteristic specimen
of their humble loyalty, and to oulboo all the hooings of the famed Sir
Pertinax."

"However," observed Dashal