The Eve of All-Hallows Volume I Part 14

From exile see the monarch bring The olive round our harp to string!

With transport let each patriot sing, G.o.d save the king!

Then welcome be the royal James, None shall resist his legal claims; While ev'ry honest heart exclaims, G.o.d save the king!

[36] The air of "G.o.d save the King" had been a French anthem, and words were appropriated to it, with the chorus of "G.o.d save the king," expressly for James the Second. Since which time it has been played and sung as a national anthem.

During this pause the public curiosity had sufficient time for its indulgence by a full view of the royal person. King James looked extremely well; he possessed a manly and animated countenance, illumined by fine penetrating hazel eyes, his eloquent lips, his stately person; his head was enveloped, according to the fashion of the times, in a deep flowing full-dress peruke, surmounted by a large black beaver triangular c.o.c.ked hat, deeply edged with white ostrich feathers; the peruke descended down freely, even to the richly polished silver corslet[37]

which he wore; his neck was adorned with the ribbons and gems of St.

George and St. Andrew; and the star of the garter sparkled in diamonds on his breast. His whole deportment was fraught with that attractive grace and commanding elegance of manner and address which he so fully and peculiarly possessed, and which charmed every beholder.

[37] The above description of the person and appearance of King James the Second, is taken from a beautiful oil miniature, painted on copper; it is believed to be from the pencil of Samuel Cooper, when the king was Duke of York. It is in possession of the author.

A number of handsome young women, amounting nearly to the number of fifty, all dressed in white, and with coronals of white roses, now advanced, and preceding the monarch, danced before him the entire way to the gate of Dublin Castle, the Irish dance, called _Rinceadh-Fada_, which delighted the king exceedingly. The same had been performed upon the king's landing at Kinsale, and then too pleased him well, the particulars of which will be found in a succeeding chapter. These young and beautiful nymphs strewed the streets, while they danced along, with _bouquets_ of flowers. The supply for this ceremony was contained in small wicker baskets, which they respectively bore, with much appropriate grace, upon their left arm; and, ever and anon, in sylph-like att.i.tude, they wheeled round and made obeisance to the king; while oft, with the grace of Raphael, the right hand was duly employed in scattering flowers, thus manifesting their unbought homage to majesty. "The rich citizens, to testify their joy upon this occasion, hung their balconies with tapestry and cloth of arras; those who were not so provided displayed silk, or hangings of rich cloth; while the poorer kind were content to sew together the coverings of Turkey-work chairs; while others were obliged to arrange draperies of linen cloth."[38]

[38] Extract from the Life of King James.

At the limits of the Liberty His Majesty was met by the Lord Mayor, aldermen, and common council, the masters, wardens, and brethren of the twenty-five corporations of the city. Ulster King at Arms was in dutiful attendance, accompanied by the Dublin Herald at Arms, the Athlone Pursuivant at Arms, and lastly followed the Cork Herald at Arms. The heralds and pursuivants all mounted upon their grey palfreys, and attired in new and splendid tabards, made expressly for the occasion, and which shone forth in all the blaze of heraldic pomp; while they onward proceeded in accordance to their rank and station. Next onward rode an esquire bearing a royal standard, on which were richly embroidered the initials of

"JACOBUS II. REX."[39]

[39] Life of King James the Second.

The letters were brilliantly surrounded with a garland composed of the rose of England, the shamrock of Erin, the thistle of Caledon, and the lily of France. Next was borne another standard, on which was emblazoned the armorial bearing of the harp, with the motto,

"EX CORDE LaeTUS,"

and encircled with shamrocks. Next, the standard of England waved in the breeze, on which was embroidered the motto,

"NON SIC MILLE COHORTES."[40]

[40] Ibid.

Various other banners and armorial escutcheons were borne in the procession;--namely, the heraldic bearings of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland. Then came on the state trumpeters, no less gorgeously and characteristically attired than their party _per-pale_ cousins at arms, and withal accompanied by the drowsy base of "the Almaine's sullen kettle-drum," which closed the rere of this truly rare and ill.u.s.trious procession.

So soon as the royal cavalcade had approached the Tholsel, the Recorder of Dublin, Counsellor Dillon, knelt to the king, and presented to him the keys of the city; and loyally and dutifully addressed the king, expressing "the great and unqualified joy of all the loyal citizens of His Majesty's ancient and faithful city of Dublin, to hail their beloved king, and welcome him within their gates; whereby was presented the glorious opportunity of testifying to all the world their untainted loyalty and unshaken affection; and that in defence of their sovereign's throne they were ready and willing to risk, to the uttermost, both their lives and fortunes."[41] The king most graciously and majestically received the keys of the city; and on the instant graciously returned them, while he knighted the Recorder on the spot; saying, with the greatest courtesy and kindness, "I return them to you, Sir Recorder, fully convinced that the keys of my most faithful city of Dublin could not be placed in the custody of honester hearts, or more loyal hands, than those who guard them now." And having thus said, he gracefully bowed, and courteously waved his hand.

[41] Life of King James the Second.

This interesting ceremony and speech having been concluded, the king continued his route to the castle of Dublin, followed by a number of the state-carriages of the n.o.bility, each drawn by six horses; various other vehicles attended--calashes, covered carriages, &c.; these were followed by squadrons of French dragoons. Major Barker, of the Royal Guards, next came onward, clearing the centre of the street, and ordering the troops again to "present arms." Then approached the Grand Prior, (the Duke of Albemarle,) in a coach drawn by six beautiful horses. Next approached several officers of the Guards, mounted on high-mettled chargers, and followed by grooms, each of them adroitly conducting a led horse. Then came on several officers of the army, attended by five trumpets and as many kettle-drums, all arrayed in new state-dresses. Next advanced twenty of the band of gentlemen at large, who were on horseback; they were followed by the messengers, Sergeants at Arms, bearing the maces of the Lords and Commons. Then came on the pursuivants, heralds, and King at Arms.

And now the Duke of Tyrconnel presented himself, mounted on a n.o.ble milk-white charger, and martially arrayed in steel armour, highly wrought and polished; the star of the garter glittered on his manly breast; and the magnificent collar, with its splendid and appendant gem, swung from the graceful shoulders of the valiant duke. The Marquis d'Estrades and Lord Drummond were on the right hand of the Duke; the Earl of Melfort and Lord Seaforth supported the left. Then succeeded many troops of dragoons, a numerous list of n.o.bles and gentry, with numerous servants and attendants; a large a.s.semblage of state-carriages of peers, drawn by six horses, some with four, and others with only a pair. Thus was the rear of this princely cavalcade brought up. And the procession was last of all closed by an immense a.s.semblage who rent the air with loud and continued shouts and acclamations of joy.

"In this stately progress King James reached the capital, and made his triumphant entry, followed by a splendid train of French, British, and Irish; and attended by the Count d'Avaux in the character of amba.s.sador of France."[42]

[42] Leland's History of Ireland, vol. III. p. 522.

Meanwhile all the bands of the different regiments joined in playing the then well known air of

"The king shall enjoy his own again!"

When this warlike symphony had ceased the populace with one accord huzzaed, and shouted "G.o.d save the King!" They hailed and warmly congratulated His Majesty's arrival at his Castle of Dublin, where, having alighted from his horse, he was met at the portal by the host,[43] which was overshadowed by a gonfalon, or canopy of state, borne by four Roman bishops, and accompanied by a numerous train of friars singing, and attended by other clergy of the same persuasion, along with the t.i.tular primate at their head, who wore a triple crown, or tiara. The king was conducted by them into the chapel-royal, which had been built by the Duke of Tyrconnel,[44] where _Te Deum_ was chanted upon the welcome and happy arrival of His Majesty.

[43] Life of King James.

[44] This is literally true: this chapel was pulled down, and a new one built during the administration of the present Duke of Bedford.

These ceremonies being concluded, His Majesty subsequently retired to the new apartments, which had been recently built and decorated by Tyrconnel, where the king dined.

It having been intimated to the king that upon the following day the triennial perambulation of the liberties and franchises of the city of Dublin was to take place; and His Majesty having been humbly solicited to witness the same, most graciously gave his consent. The riding of the franchises, or "riding the fringes," as popularly called, was in fact a most brilliant and truly imposing public spectacle, not to be equalled, and quite surpa.s.sing, every other pageant then or since known in Europe.

CHAPTER XII.

Praetexta, et trabeae, fasces, lectica, tribunal.

Quid, si vidisset Praetorem curribus altis Enstantem, et medio sublimem in pulvere circi In tunica Jovis, et pictae sarrana ferentem Ex humeris aulaea togae, magnaeque coronae Tantum orbem, quanto cervix non sufficit ulla?

JUVENAL, Sat. x.

----Fasces, chains, litters, purple gowns.

What! had he seen, in his triumphal car, Amid the dusty cirque conspicuous far, The praetor perched aloft, superbly drest In Jove's proud tunic, with a trailing vest Of Tyrian tapestry, and o'er him spread A crown too bulky for a mortal head?

GIFFORD'S JUVENAL.

Peradventure, kind reader, thou art no lover of history or chronicles, no admirer of antiquarian research, and art withal (forefend us!) in thine heart a determined foe to every matter and circ.u.mstance pertaining to the "dark, backward, and abysm of time." If such, gentle reader, be the materials of which thou art made, pause fair and softly, if it so beseemeth thee, ere thou venturest again to open this volume, from perusal of which, in sober seriousness, we would make bold to dissuade thee, courteous reader! lest perchance the discussion might "hurt thy health, and prejudice thy conscience," as the sage Sancho Panza hath said of yore.

The day appointed for the display of the grand and solemn pageant of the perambulation of the liberties and franchises of the city of Dublin had arrived. This event only occurred every third year; and upon this august occasion was to be witnessed by the royal eye of the princely James. The arrangement of the procession and of its various details presented the most grand and magnificent spectacle ever witnessed in the Irish metropolis. It was a custom so singular, so unlike any procession or pageant known in any other realm, that when it did occur the n.o.bility and gentry from every near and foreign land crowded to Dublin to behold the splendid array of this unique and magnificent spectacle. Upon this triennial occurrence the interest was most highly increased, and the stately pomp and splendour of the pageant aided and augmented by the cheering presence of the sovereign.

The grand cavalcade in slow and solemn measure advanced, preceded by a n.o.ble troop of heavy dragoons;--we mention heavy dragoons distinctly to mark to the reader's attention the distant period of time of which we here speak; for at that period light dragoons were unknown in the British service. The enlivening trumpets rent the air; meanwhile the military bands played at intervals loyal and national airs; banners waving on high, and the various flags and ensigns attached to the numerous vessels in the river, all undulating in the breeze; while around and upon every side the genius of ancient chivalry seemed to preside and conduct the procession. Sir John Ottrington, Lord Mayor of the city of Dublin, came in great pomp, pride, and circ.u.mstance of civic distinction, in his magnificent state coach; his dignified head was arrayed in a full flowing peruke, upon which much care and caution had been studiously expended for its adornation; and that day witnessed good-man shaver, Bob Basin to wit, the city barber, a proud and happy man, who seemed all-sufficient to enjoy the triumph of the day, in which, as he modestly conceived, he had done "the State some service, and they knew it." This most formidable bushy specimen of a peruke was c.u.mberously surmounted by the bulky civic crown, which was in sooth unwieldy and most unbecoming in its conformation and appearance; indeed not dissimilar to that worn by the Herald King at Arms upon the high ceremonial of a coronation. The Lord Mayor was attired in full court dress, over which was worn a flowing scarlet gown, and around his neck was suspended the splendid gold enamelled collar which had been most graciously presented to the city of Dublin by Charles the Second, of chaste and pious memory! It must not forsooth be disguised that the costume was as c.u.mbersome as it was unbecoming; yet still the ladies all unanimously agreed in the opinion that Sir John Ottrington was "a very pretty fellow in his day;" a most portly personage he was, who would have become any costume, civil or military, nay, even the hodiern foppery of an English Field-Marshal--tags, bobs, cordons, trappings, ribands, feathers, and so forth. However, had any modern taken a glance at a similar figure, he must a.s.suredly have been incontinently reminded of his facetious old acquaintance, Lord Grizel, in the inimitable and humorous burletta of O'Hara's _Tom Thumb_!

All the _accessoires_ of city regalia were duly and circ.u.mspectly displayed at this truly splendid pageant. The ponderous city mace was regilt and richly burnished, which shone conspicuous and refulgent from the sinister window of the civic coach; while from the dexter side gently undulated, _in transitu_, the mayoral wand, like the caduceus of Mercury, imposing peace and silence on the dense and congregated mult.i.tude.

The sword of state was carried in the van, while the silver baton was borne by a corporate officer in the rere, attended by the city battle-axe guards, who followed the state coach two by two, while others of the guard flanked it, and the remaining number closed the procession.

It is but just to say, that all the civic regalia, in due pomp, and circ.u.mstance, and order, were displayed conformable to the ancient, laudable, and loyal usages of this most enlightened corporation.

The persons who personified the civic battle-axe guards were grenadiers hired for the occasion expressly, and duly selected from the ranks. The costume of these worthies, although varying in colour, yet resembled in shape and fashion that of the royal Buffetteers, (in popular parlance called beef eaters, from their portly appearance, no doubt;)[45] the bonnets were formed of green velvet, with a rich gold foliage of shamrocks, which surrounded them. The exterior habiliments were of rich green cloth, laced, and richly embroidered with national devices; and upon the breast of each were duly embroidered the city arms, namely, three castles in flames, and the motto, "_obedientia civium, felicitas urbis_." The hose were of red worsted, with large open clokes; the shoes short quartered and high heeled, with the appanage of small bra.s.s buckles. The partisans which they bore were similar to those of the royal battle-axe guards. As the procession slowly proceeded onward, the populace accommodated them-selves with great attention and most discreet silence, being right marvelously amazed at such unusual pomp and splendour.

[45] But actually so named from being the guard who preside over the royal buffet, or side-board.

Next in the proud pageant came the High Sheriffs, each in his own splendid state chariot, with a crowd of lackeys in rich liveries behind.

These worthies, Sir Mark Rainsford and Sir Edward Lloyd, not forgetting the Lord Mayor, did not escape the ceremonial of being knighted by King James. The Aldermen followed in their respective carriages. They were succeeded in the procession by the several guilds or corporations of the city, amounting in the aggregate to the number of twenty-five; at the unprecedented splendour of whose appearance the populace were verily struck with downright delight and astonishment.

The particular detail and explanation of each guild, as it advanced, halted, and retreated in the proud pageant, was explained most minutely by the Duke of Tyrconnel to his gracious and royal master. His Grace certainly acquitted himself with most sage, cautious, and circ.u.mspect discretion, but attended withal with sundry and various circ.u.mforaneous explanations; all which long ambages and diffuse prolixities purposely to avoid, we have cut down and curtailed the whole, which would otherwise not be contained in a chapter, but require an essay to give the entire. We have therefore abridged the particulars, and thrown the whole into as brief a narrative as the subject would admit of, premising that the splendid and imposing spectacle was beheld from the windows of the presence-chamber of Dublin Castle by the royal James, surrounded by all the beauty of the land, and encompa.s.sed by all the flower of chivalry.

The magnificence of the pageant of riding the franchises (or fringes, as corruptly called in popular parlance) was considerably increased in pomp and effect from the introduction of different individuals of the different corporations, who were attired in habits emblematical and ill.u.s.trative of the different trades of the different guilds. The characters were generally borrowed from the heathen mythology, and were strictly and cla.s.sically arrayed in proper pantheon costume.