86 APRIL, 1937 of the Robes, very resplendent, carries the end of the “Receive the Rod of Equity and Mercy. robe. I‘ Be so merciful that you be not too remiss. The Queen passes to her Chair of Estate, and standing, “So execute justice that you forget not mercy.” awaits the coming of the King. He comes. THEPUTTING ON OF THE . Again breaJsing through the harmonies of the music At last the hour of has come. Bare- resounds the welcome of the Westminster scholars. headed the King is still seated in the Chair of Destiny, Vivat Rex Georgius ! Vivat ! Vivat ! Vivat ! and awaits with the silent congregation the blessing A tempestuous and thrilling cry, primitive, vibrant. of the Imperial Crown. At the altar stands the Arch- With very becoming dignity the King passes. He bishop ;he lifts therefrom the Crown, and prays aloud : bows to the Queen and then, kneeling on their fald- “ Bless, we beseech Thee, and sanctify this Thy stools, they make their humble adoration. servant George our King, and as Thou dost this day When they arise the fateful ceremonial begins. set a Crown of pure gold upon his head so enrich his First, the Recognition. Royal heart with Thine abundant grace, and crown The Presentation of the King to the People is made him with all princely virtues.” by the Archbishop, of Canterbury in the followhg The Choir gives forth a mighty Amen.” Then the words : . Primate stands before the King, the jewelled “Sirs, I here present unto you King George, the is upraised, it is placed upon his head. undoubted King of this Realm; Wherefore all you The King is Crowned. who are come this day to do your homage and service, Anointed and crowned, with all the insignia of earthly Are you willing to do the same ? ” power about him, the King is solemnly blessed. For The People signify their loyalty, crying out with a moment we gaze on him. A deep sigh of feeling passes one voice their joyous acclamations- through the multitude, the heart quickens, and then ‘‘ God Save King George.” comes rushing the sound of human triumph-an outburst Then is heard the heart-piercing jubilation of sweet- of harmony, heart cries of love and thankfulness, the toned silver trumpets. beating of drums and singing of silver trumpets, and The Litany, Prayers, and Sermon follow. from afar the booming of guns. The Primate then administers the Coronation Oath, Majestically the Monarch ascends his , and his which the King, standing before the Altar, and laying, loyal lieges make their Homage. First the boy Prince his right hand upon the Holy Gospel in the Great Bible, of Wales kneels bare-headed before his Sovereign and repeats those vaIiant words :- solemnly promises to keep, “ So help me, God.” “ I, Edward, Prince of Wales, do become your liege- After the exquisite I‘ Veni Creator Spiritus ” has been man of life and limb, and of earthly worship ; and faith sung, the Sovereign, relieved of his Robe and Cap of and truth I will bear unto you to live and die, against Estate, comes to the Chair of Destiny for his Sacring and all manner of folks-so help me God.” Crowning, wearing a simple tunic of crimson silk, and walking under the Royal Canopy of cloth of gold, the The Prince rises and ascends the steps of the Throne, silver shafts of which are sustained by four Knights of he kisses his father op the left cheek, and backwards the Garter in lustrous blue robes. Then follows the would descend, but the King detains him, and placing solemnity of the , the Presenting of the Spurs a hand of benediction on the fair young head, leans and , and the Girding and Oblation of the said forward, kisses him in turn, and clasps his hand-a very Sword. The Investing with the Armill and Royal Robe, human touch, and well done. and the Delivery of the Orb. And Regina Maria I Still uncrowned in her Chair For the Investiture first is brought the under tunic of Estate she sits, her eyes turned to the Throne. of fine white linen-the Colobrium Sindonis-over What an immortal moment for the Royal wife and which is immediately placed the Supertunica, a most mother ! * marvellous close pall of pure cloth of gold, and the girdle. The Peers in their degree then make the oath of The King stands a shimmering and resplepdent figure. fealty on their knees ; arise, touch the Crown, and kiss His heels are then touched with the Golden Spurs, and their Sovereign on the cheek. he is girded and belted with the hallowed sword. The . The Homage ended, with one accord outcry once more Armill or stole is placed about his neck, and fulally the the People, the drums throb, the trumpets sound. Royal Robe, a garment of indescribable splendour, golden and embossed, woven with heraldic devices God save King George! and the national flowers, envelops the King. The great Long live King George 1 Orb is placed in his hand, the , the ensign “ of his May the King live for ever I Kingly dignity, and of defence of the Catholic Faith,” THE QUEEN’SCORONATION. is put upon the fourth finger of his right hand, thus Less august, yet more entrancing, is the crowning symbolising his marriage with the Empire, The Glove of the Queen. having been put upon the right hand, the Primate From her Chair, Queen Mary passes to the altar steps* places the golden with the blazing Cross, and the She sinks on her knees, and listens to the prayer of the Sceptre with the Dove, into the Sovereign’s hands with Primate : the admonition : Multiply Thy blessings upon this Thy servant MarY, ‘I Receive the Royal Sceptre, the ensign of Kingly whom in Thy name, with a11 humble devotion, We power and justice. consecrate our Queen, defend her evermore from all previous page next page