OPENING OF THE ROYAL EXCHANGE.
Days have been often big with fate,
But ne'er was day so big of yore,
As the October twenty-eight,
In eighteen hundred forty-four.
That day will memorable be,
When taken in by history's range;
For on it thousands went to see
Victoria open the Exchange.
Serene was the morning,
And plenty of gravel
Was spread on the road
Which the Queen had to travel.
Busy policemen far and wide
Were spread upon the pavement's side;
Who oft the truncheon bravely drew
'Gainst those who would the line break through.
At length her Majesty appears,
Amid enthusiastic cheers;
There's not a gossamer or beaver
But what is waving to receive her.
Her dress was satin rich and rare,
A silver tissue, neat but splendid,—
The sleeves were short; and from the hair
Two matchless brilliants were suspended.
A riband o'er her shoulder hung,
Of costly jewels was the border;
To which with graceful ease was slung
The star that marks the Garter's Order.
Prince Albert, at her side, was dressed
In uniform without a crease,
While carelessly across his breast
Was thrown the Order of the Fleece
Chamberlain, Master of the Horse,
Were present, as a matter of course.
Assist me, Muses, while I throw
The whole procession into verse:
For metre hath an easy flow,
And poetry is always terse.
Lifeguards sent on before to clear the ways,
First carriage drawn by half a dozen bays,
Containing Usher of the Sword of State,
The Exon of the Yeomen of the Guard,
Usher of Privy Chamber, Page to wait,
Each thought himself, no doubt, a wondrous "card."
Carriage the second, drawn by bays as well,
With Lord and Groom in Waiting on the Prince,
And Silver Stick,—such an alarming swell,
He's spoken scarce to anybody since.
Third carriage, drawn by bays again,
Which did a splendid load contain:
The Treasurer of the Household he was one;
Was it supposed any might dare to dun?
'Tis prudent of her Majesty, though funny,
Always to go about well stocked with money.
Fourth carriage—bays again—had for its freight
Four of the minor officers of State.
In carriage five—drawn by bays also, six,
There sits at ease the costliest of sticks—
Gold Stick, of course, is meant; and Norfolk's earl
Sits opposite a very pretty girl,—
A Maid of Honour; while on t' other side
A Woman of the Bedchamber doth ride.
Carriage the sixth is drawn along
By six black horses large and strong;
That carriage ample seats affords
Unto two ladies and two lords.
Now follow Yeomen of the Guard,
Now Footmen, four and four;
Now the state coach, with Grooms right hard
Against the wheels and door—
In fact, there is, without a joke,
A footman placed at every spoke.
Within the coach a form is seen;
It is Her Majesty the Queen!
Who seems extremely puzzled how
To keep upon the constant bow.
Prince Albert vainly at her side
Attempts the labour to divide;
He shows that he is nothing loth
To make obeisances for both.
But no! the people wish the two
To join in a grand bow de deux.
And thus Her Majesty the Queen,
Like to a Chinese mandarin,
Is forced to keep her head in action
Throughout the entire city's range:
Great must have been her satisfaction
To find some prospect of a 'Change!'
LADY DAY—Old & New Style.