The Coronation Of King Edward Vii

: True Stories Of Wonderful Deeds

Never had a country a more popular king than King Edward VII, nor a more

gracious queen than Queen Alexandra, and never was a happier day for the

English people than that on which King Edward was crowned. A few days

before the date fixed for the Coronation the king suddenly became ill,

and a great gloom fell over the country, for it was feared that he might

never be crowned. But though his illness was severe he soon began to get
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better, and when he was out of danger the hearts of his subjects were

filled with joy and thankfulness. Guns were fired, church-bells pealed,

and glad shouts and cheers rang out from the happy crowds which lined

the streets of London, through which the king and queen, in the midst of

their gay procession, drove to Westminster Abbey.



Inside the gray old Abbey was one of the most brilliant gatherings the

world has ever seen. Princes and princesses from other lands were there,

in their robes of state; peers and peeresses, in velvet, and ermine, and

glittering diamonds; grave statesmen; and soldiers in their gay

uniforms.



It was a grand and solemn scene when, before them all, the aged

Archbishop of Canterbury drew near to the King, and with trembling hands

placed the crown upon his head.



"The Lord give you a fruitful country, and healthful seasons, victorious

fleets and armies, and a quiet Empire." These are the words that the old

man said when he had crowned the king, and each one of us will pray that

all these blessings may indeed rest upon King Edward VII, and the great

Empire over which he rules.



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