296 TEARS AT BECOMING A QUEEN.
which I knew, from the lips that uttered them, must be true and beautiful ; but only stifled sounds, or a few uncertain murmurings repaid the toil. And I wish all who conduct the education of young ladies would insist on at least an audible utterance, and not consider their own office to be faithfully filled, unless a correct and graceful elocution is attained.
When Victoria had finished her speech, she reached the manuscript to the Lord Chancellor, and that grave dignitary reverently knelt to take it from her hand. Then she passed out, as she entered, with the same demonstrations of affection from her people. It was a thought both touching and elevating, that amid the change and revolution which have overturned many thrones, one should for hundreds of years have re mained in stability, and a delicate woman be so guard ed by the chivalry of a once rude nation, as to bear its sceptre safely and peacefully.
In looking upon her to whom such power is de puted, and hoping that she might be enabled to execute the sacred and fearful trust, for the good of the mil lions who own her sway, and for her own soul s salva tion, I was reminded of the circumstance of her weep ing when told she was to become a queen, and of the sweet poem of Miss Barret, now Mrs. Browning, which commemorates that circumstance.
It was a scene of pomp.
The ancient hall Where Britain s highest in their wisdom meet,
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