Page:King Edward VII, his life & reign; the record of a noble career 4.djvu/224

176 almost incessant movement, the Prince always turned up active, affable, alert; charming in deportment, perfect in courtesy. During the London season his work, or work combined with pleasure, was such, in this illustrious leader of society, as would wear out the bodily strength, or shatter the nervous system, of most strong men. Meetings, dinners, speeches, ceremonies of all kinds, found him ever up to the mark. Turning again for a moment to his public work in the provinces, we must admire the degree of patience and of stamina in body, mind, and spirit that could not only endure, but ever seem to enjoy, a countless succession of loyal addresses, staring and cheering crowds, instrumental and vocal performances of loyal music, and the other incidents of the public receptions accorded to the representative of the Queen. What must have been the strain on the faculties, what the ingenuity needed to frame suitable replies to addresses, and fitting speeches at public functions! The due preparation of these implies, in fact, a previous care in ascertaining, before presiding at a meeting, or at a festival of any public institution, the special character of the work done therein.

The scope of this work does not include any intrusion on the domestic relations of the Sovereign at any period of his long career, but it is impossible, and would be most ungrateful, not to notice the part played by the Princess of Wales, who became Queen Alexandra, in connection with her husband's public work. That illustrious lady, it need not be said, was ever specially interested in his philanthropic work. Often present in person, to the delight of the local public, she was never absent in spirit, whenever he was engaged in the discharge of useful and beneficial public duties, taking a most appropriate and particular interest in institutions devoted to the relief of suffering women and children. Her gracious smile, her kindly words, have charmed many an orphan child, and cheered many a sickbed, and her career has been, in this respect, an honour to womanhood and to her exalted position. It is needless to lay a further tribute of praise at the feet of a lady who is admired and beloved throughout the Empire.