In the Russian division we may observe a most magnificent pair of candlesticks of bronze, gilt, which look exceedingly sparkling and brilliant, and are the first objects that meet our eyes as we enter the department.
In the transept, at the opposite end to where the gates from Coalbrookdale are situated, are another beautiful specimen of ornamented gates for a park, in the style of the elegantly wrought iron work, made about a hundred and fifty years since, and which adorn the entrances to many of the old mansions of England. Some parts of these are tastefully gilt, and produce a remarkably pretty effect.
It would take us more than a month to see everything in the Crystal Palace, and those who wish to examine all the wonders, must pay several visits. But we have, I think, seen enough for the present, and will now leave the Exhibition, if you are satisfied. Perhaps, before I go, you would like me to describe the ceremony of the opening of our Palace of Wonders, by our good Queen? If so, I shall be very happy indeed to oblige you, by telling you all I saw on the first of May.
Early in the morning of that day,—soon after dawn,—thousands of people in London were wending their way towards Hyde Park; horses feet, and carriage-wheels clattered through the streets, and strange looking foreigners passed along among the crowd, all eager to see the procession.
I dare say you would have been delighted with the grand sight:—first there came a long line of splendid carriages, containing various lords and ladies, in gorgeous costumes;—diamonds flashing, and feathers waving; next came a troop of Life Guards in scarlet coats, bright cuirasses, and glittering helmets: they were escorting the Queen's carriage, which was followed by a goodly number of other carriages. You should have heard how the crowds huzzaed and shouted when they saw the Queen, who looked very much pleased, bowing and smiling to her people. She entered the building amid the loud cheers and hurras, followed by Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal. After staying a short time in the elegant robing-room, which was fitted up in a single night, her Majesty proceeded to her throne, between flower stands, and tropical plants, past the Coalbrookdale gates, and the fountains and statues with which the centre of the palace is adorned. When she appeared, the twenty-five thousand people, who were present, rose to welcome her.—Ladies waving their handkerchiefs, the gentlemen their hats;—and you may readily guess how splendid the scene looked. Even the sun popped out his head from the clouds, and poured a flood of golden light in through the glittering dome of the transept, to illuminate the brilliant spectacle.
As soon as Her Majesty was seated on her throne, one of the organs commenced pealing forth the notes of the National Anthem, the choir, which was collected for the occasion, singing to the music. After this, Prince Albert joined those gentlemen who have directed the affairs of the Great Exhibition, and going near to the Queen, read to her an account of the Exhibition from the commencement; to which Her Majesty answered, when the Prince had finished, that she was much pleased with the description of the proceedings, and that she hoped the World's Fair would do good to all mankind, by encouraging the arts of peace and industry, strengthening the bonds of love between all the nations of the earth, and promoting a friendly rivalry among our fellow creatures, in the useful exercise of those faculties which have been given by GOD for the good and happiness of all mankind.
The Queen having read this answer, the Archbishop of Canterbury approached the throne, and offered up a prayer to Heaven, intreating the Lord's blessing on the Exhibition; that it might benefit every body on earth, making them love and help each other. I hope all that heard the prayer, joined in it with heart and soul: and I hope, too, that my dear little readers will think of it when they go to the Crystal Palace.
At the close of the prayer, the choir sang the Hallelujah chorus, and you may form some idea of the effect of this performance, when I tell you that all the persons who sing at the Queen's Chapel, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and St. George's Chapel, Windsor, were all singing together, besides part of the band of the Sacred Harmonic Society, pupils of the Royal Academy of Music, and many other songsters, both foreign and English.
The immensity of the building left scope for the rich volume of sound poured forth; and you may imagine what an effect the splendid strains had on the feelings of the multitude of spectators. Indeed, one of the audience,—a Chinaman, was so excited by the grandeur of the scene, and the triumphant music, that he rushed forwards, made his way through the crowd of nobles and ladies that surrounded the Queen, and, advancing close to Her Majesty, saluted her by a grand salaam, which she graciously acknowledged with a smile and a bow. A salaam, you must know, is the eastern way of bowing, and consists in bending the head until it almost touches the ground.
When the Hallelujah chorus ceased, the procession was formed for the Queen to go round the building. First went the heralds, in their splendid costumes; then a great number of gentlemen, who were more immediately concerned with the Exhibition; after them, the Duke of Wellington,—of whom, I dare say you know,—with more gentlemen, and the Archbishop of Canterbury; and then the Queen and Prince Albert, with the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal, both of whom looked extremely delighted and astonished with the gorgeous spectacle they were viewing. The Royal Family was followed by a number of lords, ladies, and attendants, the procession being concluded by heralds.