Page:Account of the royal visit of George the IVth to Scotland (2).pdf/15

 with a firm step along the drawbridge, till coming to the inner-gate, he stepped into another carriage, which stood waiting, the grenadier company of the 66th regiment forming his guard of honour. The procession moved slowly through the winding passages of the Castle, till it came to the half-moon battery. where were erected two platforms, raised one upon the other, with a stair leading up to them. The King ascended the upper platform, and presented himself to the view of his admiring subjects. At this moment a royal salute was fired from the guns on the ramparts, and the bands played “God save the King.” On descending from the platform. the King proceeded to the Governor's house, which was elegantly fitted up for his reception.

His Majesty having regained his carriage at the barrier-gate, the procession returned to the Palace by the Earthen Mound, Prince's Street, the Regent's Bridge, and New Road, along the whole of which an astonishing multitude patiently waited his approach, and whose loyal greetings met him at every step.

If, as was complained by some, the Highland part of the Scottish population was pressed too much upon his Majesty's notice, the fault was amply redeemed by a grand cavalry review, which took place on Portobello sands, upon Friday, the 23d of August, of the whole volunteer cavalry and yeomanry of the principal lowland districts. We may venture to say, that a finer body of men, better equipped and mounted, or, under the same disadvantages, better disciplined, never before passed under the review of his Majesty. A squadron of the 7th dragoon guards. kept the ground