Page:Account of the royal visit of George the IVth to Scotland (2).pdf/14

 Scotland passed before their eyes, carried triumphantly by the ancient nobles of the land, whose ancestors had often fought and bled for that independence of which they were the sacred and venerable symbols. Upon the crown, carried by the premier peer of Scotland, all eyes were concentrated; and the hearts of all filled and throbbed with patriotic emotions, which were expressed in boisterous cheers, as they surveyed the same diadem that had invested the brows of the royal Bruce-of his warlike descendants- of the lovely and unfortunate Mary. The cheers that hailed the regalia were repeated with increased enthusiasm, accompanied by the waving of handkerchiefs from every window and balcony, as his Majesty advanced, who acknowledged the salutations of his people in the most gracious manner. When the carriage of his Majesty reached the Netherbow, six beautiful girls, dressed in white, with blue sashes across their shoulders, from which depended the St Andrew's cross, and their heads adorned with wreaths, proceeded before the royal carriage, and strewed the way with flowers.

When the King arrived at the barrier-gate, he alighted from his carriage on a raised platform, covered with crimson cloth, where the Lord High Constable and Lord Cathcart were stationed to receive him. The keys of the Castle were then tendered to his Majesty, by Lieutenant-General Sir Alexander Hope, the Lieutenant-Governor, accompanied by Major-General Sir Thomas Bradford, Commander of the Forces, besides a numerous body of officers belonging to the garrison. His Majesty having returned the keys, walked