Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 5.djvu/234

 THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS

the laws of the two countries; and if such an event were ever to take place, the credit of it would be due to the wise and noble woman who thus would have proved herself to be one of the greatest of statesmen simply by following the instincts of her heart.

Sir, in a life in which there is so much to be admired, perhaps the one thing most to be ad- mired is that naturalness, that simplicity in the character of the queen which showed itself in such actions as I have just described. From the first day of her reign to the last, she conquered and kept the affections of her people, simply because under all circumstances, and on all oc- casions, whether important or trivial, she did the one thing that ought to be done, and did it in the way most natural and simple.

She is now no more — no more ? Nay, I boldly say she lives — lives in the hearts of her subjects ; lives in the pages of history. And as the ages revolve, as her pure profile stands more marked against the horizon of time, the verdict of pos- terity will ratify the judgment of those who were her subjects. She ennobled mankind; she exalted royalty; the world is better for her life.

Sir, the queen is no more ; let us with one heart say, Long live the king!

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