loss of one devoted to him, but whom he had frequently treated with harshness and neglect. The Queen's remains were removed from Kensington to Whitehall, where they lay in state in the banquetinghall of the palace. Four ladies of honour were stationed about the coffin when the public were admitted, between the hours of twelve and five; they were relieved every half-hour. Railings covered with black cloth were erected from the palace to Westminster Abbey, where the final ceremony was to take place. When the body was removed, three hundred old women formed part of the cortège; they were given a long black gown and £5 apiece, while each one was provided with a boy to hold up her train. These women also received a weekly sum during the preparations. The palaces of Whitehall, Kensington, Hampton Court, and the presence chamber at Windsor were draped in black, for which purpose the King ordered six thousand yards of black cloth; his apartments were hung with purple velvet, for which four hundred yards were used. The mausoleum erected at Westminster for Mary's funeral obsequies was elaborately decorated with silver ornaments and flags. An engraving of this remarkable structure gives one an idea of the pomp and pageantry displayed on all ceremonial occasions at that time. Four obelisks support the canopy, at the base of these are emblems representing the United Kingdom; two only are seen; one has the rose and crown, another the Welsh harp. At the summit of the four points are the lion and the unicorn, while in the centre apex two cherubs are supporting the crown. The drapery was of purple cloth or velvet, the monogram M. being repeated on the pillars; the royal arms can be seen in the centre of the canopy. The coffin itself was covered with a handsome pall, and on a white satin cushion reposed the late queen's crown; the orb is below, but no sceptre. Three chandeliers, containing six candles each, are suspended from above, while a double row of candles run around the frieze. The funeral cost a hundred thousand pounds. A letter written by a schoolboy in 1697 says, "When orders was given that every one should go into mourning for the Queen, some Jacobite hung Tyburne in mourning, with a paper fastened to it with this inscription on it, 'I mourn because you died not here.' The Jacobites in Bristol caused the bells to be rung, and went dancing down the streets, playing 'The King shall enjoy his own again."" "1 It is possible Mary had absorbed something of William's cold disposition from continually suppressing her feelings, but, although neither a dutiful daughter nor an affectionate sister, she was a devoted wife. In appearance she was tall and majestic, had an oval face with a fine countenance and expression, and possessed many excellent qualities. By the advice of Lord Sunderland and others, the Princess of Denmark wrote a letter of condolence to William; and shortly after the princess obtained the King's permission to wait upon him at Kensington. On this occasion her Highness was received with extraordinary civility. William saw it was not to his interest to keep up the quarrel with the heir to the throne. Soon after Mary's death, William granted the Princess of Denmark apartments in St. James's Palace, which had always been occupied by the heir apparent. Accordingly, some months later, Princess Anne with Prince George and her family migrated to their new 1 H.M.C., Pine Coffin, Esq., MSS. abode. Lady Marlborough also accompanied her royal mistress and was granted "lodgings" in the palace, which she occupied until the final rupture fifteen years later. There was a charming prospect from the windows of the palace. Beyond the wall enclosing the private garden could be seen the two long rows of trees forming the Mall, and where previously an unhealthy swamp existed was now the artificial lake. In the distance towered the fine structure of Westminster Abbey. The Mall was still a fashionable promenade, although the game known as "Pall Mall" had been given up. On May 12th the King embarked for Holland, and started the campaign in which he recaptured Namur, which had fallen to France three years before. The retaking of Namur by William in person on August 23rd was considered a great exploit. Situated on the jointure of the rivers Meuse and Sambre, it was the best fortified place in Europe, both by nature and art. The town had a strong garrison, commanded by a marshal of France, and there were besides three lieutenant-generals and eleven brigadiers to oppose William. The King in the early part of the siege, during an attack on some outpost, repeatedly exclaimed with great emotion, "See my brave English! See my brave English!" Anne, against Sarah's advice, wrote to the King to congratulate him on his success, and felt rebuffed at receiving no reply. The next important event after William's return was the arrival of two envoys from Venice, attended by about forty noblemen. They were lodged in the Duke of Norfolk's house in St. James's Square, and made their public entry in a most gorgeous fashion. The |