all my heart," replied Sparkle, "and we can then refresh, for I am
not exactly used to water excursions, and particularly so early in the
morning, consequently it has a good effect on the appetite."

~~381~~~ By this time the City Barges had taken positions in the front
of the Hospital, and our party passed them to gain the proposed place
of inquiry: here, however, all was conjecture; the people of Greenwich
Hospital appeared to know as little of the time appointed as those of
the metropolis; and finding they had little chance of accommodation in
consequence of the great influx of company, they again embarked,
and shortly after attacked the produce of their locker, and with an
excellent tongue and a glass of Madeira, regaled themselves sufficiently
to wait the arrival. Time, however, hung heavily on their hands, though
they had a view of thousands much worse situated than themselves,
and could only contemplate the scene with astonishment, that serious
mischiefs did not accrue, from the immense congregated multitude by
which they were surrounded.

Anxiety and anticipation were almost exhausted, and had nearly given
place to despondency, when about three o'clock the extraordinary bustle
on shore announced the certainty of the expected event being about to
take place; and in about half an hour after, they were gratified by
seeing his Majesty descend the steps of the Hospital, attended by the
noblemen, &c. under a royal salute, and rowed to the vessel prepared to
receive him. The royal standard was immediately hoisted, and away sailed
the King, amidst the heartfelt congratulations and good wishes of his
affectionate and loyal people, the firing of cannon, the ringing of
bells, and every other demonstration of a lively interest in his safety
and welfare: leaving many to conjecture the feelings with which the
heart must be impressed of a person so honoured and attended, we shall
select a few descriptive lines from the pen of a literary gentleman,
in his opinion the most likely to be expressive of the sentiments
entertained on the occasion.

ROYAL RECOLLECTIONS.

As slow the yacht her northern track
Against the wind was cleaving;
Her noble Master oft look'd back,
To that dear spot 'twas leaving:
So loth to part from her he loves,
From those fair charms that bind him;
He turns his eye where'er he roves,
To her he's left behind him.