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 '' of ' and ' take their stand behind his chair, with drawn swords; ' and ' at his sides. The , followed by the Aldermen, walks to the foot of the throne, bearing the cushion on which the sword is laid; he ascends three steps, kneels on one knee, and presents the sword to''.

The sword of state. A nation forged the steel, Lacking an anvil, on the brow of tyrants. The blade two edges has, and may be used As sword of justice and as sword of war, And, awe-inspiring on the battlefield And in the sanctuary, each in turn, Now glistens in the soldier's hand, now flames Resplendent in the hand of God the Lord. Now, London, venerable city, doth Present it to you.

These the seals, my lord.

The Speaker [kneeling on one knee before. My Lord, the Book. [ takes the Bible, and the