Page:Account of the royal visit of George the IVth to Scotland (2).pdf/8

 keys of the city were placed, addressed his Majesty;-assuring him of their attachment, and requesting his acceptance of the keys of the city of Edinburgh. His Majesty in a most gracious speech replied, that the keys could not be placed in better hands, and dropped them upon the cushion.

The Lord Provost and Magistrates then returned to their carriages, and took their appointed places in the procession. Loud cheers from the immense assemblage collected around the barrier followed this ceremony, by which the King was formally received within his ancient city.

The royal carriage, at the conclusion of the ceremony, moved slowly forward about 50 yards, to the point at the end of Picardy Place, where Leith Street on the left, and York Place on the right, are distinctly seen. The procession advanced along Picardy Place, York Place, and north and south St. Andrew's Street When the royal carriage entered St. Andrew's Square, a diffarent scene, but one of equally unique character presented itself. On reaching Prince's Street, a new scene presented itself to our monarch, who exclaimed, “How superb!” The procession now descended the Abbey-Hill, and in a few minutes was in front of the palace.

The King was received at the Palace by the Duke of Hamilton, Keeper of the Palace, who had the honour to kiss hands; the Duke of Montrose, the Lord High Chamberlain, Lord Melville, the Lord in Waiting, &c.

Immediately on his Majesty being seated on his throne, the Knight Marischal and his two Esquires, (who were ready at the lower end of the