The Pages now unrolled the scroll; on it were many letters of black and red and gold. The man in red put on his big spectacles and in a loud voice he read:
“Know all men by these presents, that whereas the Realm of Toyville has been many years without a ruler, it is decreed that there shall be appointed and crowned, a King and Queen. Therefore, be it now known to all men, that the people will have no other to rule over them than he who across the big hills is called Tommy, and the maid who bears him company and is called Helen. These words were here written down, and signed and sealed by the High Council of the Realm of Toyville.”
Then the man read the long list of names that were signed to the parchment, and fine and high sounding names they were, too.
When he had finished, he turned to the people, and in a loud voice cried out: “Hail to King Tommy! Hail to Queen Helen!”
“Hail to King Tommy! Hail to Queen Helen!” the people repeated; and then together in chorus they shouted: “Long reign King Tommy and Queen Helen!”
At the completion of this impressive ceremony and when the people had ceased their glad cheering, the Mayor stepped forward, and, bowing with much courtesy and grace, informed their Majesties that if they would be pleased to dismount, it would be his pleasure to conduct them to the Royal Seats, which had been prepared at the other side of the park.
When the Mayor had finished speaking, two Pages approached and held the bridles of Coal Black and Snow White while the King and Queen dismounted. {68}
The Mayor now walked with their Majesties across the park to directly opposite the Arch of Welcome, where had been erected a high platform, beautifully decorated with garlands of laurel leaves, intertwined with beautiful flowers, and on which was the Royal Seat.
The Mayor again bowed most courteously.
“Your Majesties,” he said, “we have prepared for your special pleasure and enjoyment, and as a slight token of welcome, some of the fine games and sports for which our people of Toyville are so famous.”