When the
coach that conveyed their majesties drew near, the whole palace
seemed astir with happy excitement. Double lines of soldiers,
both horse and foot, lined the way from the gates to the
entrance. In the great hall the lord chancellor, foreign
ambassadors, judges, and councillors of state awaited to pay
homage to their majesties; whilst in various apartments were the
nobility and men of quality, with their ladies, ranged according
to their rank, being all eager to kiss the new queen's hand.
Sure never was such show of gladness. Bells rang people cheered,
bonfires blazed.
In the evening news was brought that the Duchess of York was
being rowed to Hampton from town; hearing which, the king, with a
blithe heart, betook his way to meet her through the garden, now
bright with spring flowers and fragrant with sweet scents, till
he arrived at the gate by which the silver streak of the pleasant
Thames flowed past. And presently on this calm May eve the sound
of oars splashing in the tide was heard, and anon a barge came in
sight, hung with silken curtains and emblazoned with the arms of
royalty. From this the Duchess of York disembarked, aided by the
king. When she had offered her congratulations to him, he,
taking her hand, led her to his bride, that such fair speeches
might be repeated to her majesty. And coming into the queen's
presence the duchess would have gone upon her knees and kissed
her majesty's hand; but Catherine raised her in her arms, and
kissed her on the cheek.
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