They walked one by one, according to precedence, not of their rank, but of their commission—Godolphin first, Newcastle last, although a duke.
They reached the bench in front of the throne, to which they bowed, took off and replaced their hats, and sat down on the bench.
The Lord Chancellor turned towards the Usher of the Black Rod, and said,—
"Order the Commons to the bar of the House."
The Usher of the Black Rod retired.
The clerk, who was one of the clerks of the House of Lords, placed on the table, between the four woolsacks, the cushion on which lay the bills.
Then there came an interruption, which continued for some minutes.
Two doorkeepers placed before the bar a stool with three steps.
This stool was covered with crimson velvet, on which fleurs de lis were designed in gilt nails.
The great door, which had been closed, was reopened; and a voice announced,—