A rail divided the apartment, at
the upper part of which the king and queen, the bishops, the
Spanish Ambassador, and Sir Richard Fanshaw stood; the lower
portion being crowded by the court. When Dr. Sheldon had
declared their majesties married, the Countess of Suffolk,
according to a custom of the time, detached the ribbons from the
bride's dress, and, cutting them in pieces, distributed them
amongst those present.
Feasting, balls, and diversions of all kinds followed the
celebration of the royal nuptials, and for a time the king was
delighted with his bride. Four days after the marriage he writes
again to the lord chancellor in most cheerful tone:
"My brother will tell you of all that passes here, which I hope
will be to your satisfaction. I am sure 'tis so much to mine
that I cannot easily tell you how happy I think myself, and must
be the worst man living (which I hope I am not) if I be not a
good husband. I am confident never two humours were better
fitted together than ours are. We cannot stir from hence till
Tuesday, by reason that there is not carts to be had to-morrow to
transport all our GUARDE INFANTAS, without which there is no
stirring: so you are not to expect me till Thursday night at
Hampton Court."
They did not reach the palace until the 29th of May, that being
the king's birthday, and, moreover, the anniversary of his
entrance into London; a date which the Queen's arrival now caused
to be celebrated with triple magnificence and joy.
Pages:
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136