alls of Niagara, the most enlarged description a prudent person ought to
indulge in, would be simply, 'I have seen the Falls;' so if I were to show
my prudence, I should say, 'I saw the Coronation.' But how is it possible
to refrain from giving expression, however slight and sketchy, to scenes
of such unexampled magnificence?

We crossed the river at seven o'clock, and had the advantage of passing
through the private residence of one of the principal officers of the
House of Commons, and marched on to Westminster Hall without impediment. I
had a distinct ticket for the Abbey where I had no duty to perform; and
indeed throughout the day it was purely nominal. I had therefore all the
advantages of passing and repassing at my own will and discretion, and of
paying visits to the Palace-Yard to different friends who had secured
places to witness the procession. On first entering that most magnificent
of halls, it was impossible not to be struck with its gigantic proportions
and superb embellishments. Galleries were erected for the peeresses,
foreign ambassadors, and the most distinguished visitors. Admirable
arrangements were also made for that portion of the public who had been so
fortunate as to procure a Lord Chamberlain's ticket. Costume also was
strictly attended to here, no gentleman being admitted save in full
court-suit or military uniform; and the ladies of course shone in all the
splendor that gave grace to their lovely forms, and added a native lustre
to all the artificial aids which gave such light and brilliancy to the
glowing scene.

The monotony of the early part of the morning was relieved by the absurd
evolutions of the gentlemen from the cinque-ports who had the privilege of
carrying the Canopy of the Cloth of Gold over His Majesty. If truth may be
told on state occasions, it must be said that they did not perform their
movements with much grace. They were not regularly disciplined troops, but
fairly occupied the position of the 'awkward squad.' It had the effect,
however, of exciting a good deal of merriment; indeed I have seldom seen a
rehearsal produce such striking effects. The high and imposing ceremonies
of the Church, partaking largely of the grand and mystic formula which
belonged to our cathedral service before the Reformation, and which again
bids fair, at least partially, to occupy its altars, impressed upon the
vast and brilliant assemblage gathered beneath the Gothic roof a mingled
feeling of r