King Lear, act iii. scene 4.
[3] Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 345.
[4] Coombe evidently did not think chronological accuracy of any importance, for Napoleon’s coronation was on December 2, even if reckoning old style.
[5] The Naval Chronicle, 1805.
[6] As a matter of fact, the crown is a broad circle of gold, set with large rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, on a ground of blue and gold enamel. The reason of its being called the ‘Iron Crown’ is that, running round the centre of the interior of the circle is a thin and narrow band of iron, which is supposed to be manufactured from one of the nails used in the Crucifixion of our Saviour, and given by St. Helena to her son Constantine as a talisman to protect him in battle.
[7] Free translation for ‘God has given it me—let him beware who would touch it,’ the usual form of words when this crown was used.
[8] Vol. xlix. p. 763.
[9] September 11, 1805.
[10] The news of the victory at Trafalgar was only published on November 6.
[11] Everyday Book, vol. i. p. 575.