LEITH. '05
taneous shout from the assembled multitudes, mingling with the martial music
of the Highland bagpipe which a band of young gentlemen of Leith at that
instant struck up, proclaimed in most impressive utterance the warmth of his
welcome. Next the Custom-house was reached, and when quite abreast of it
a band from the Canongate stationed there burst forth with the National
Anthem-the magistrates, deacons, and trades at the same time advancing
with lowered standards-while, just as his Majesty touched the landing-place,
three well-timed and strongly-vociferated cheers were given by the sailors who
manned the shipping in the harbour, caught up and rung out again and again
by the thousands that lined the shore, filled the windows, swarmed on the
house-tops, and stood and clung wherever there was standing or clinging room.
His Majesty was greatly affected by these hearty manifestations of loyalty and
welcome, and frequently acknowledged them with a grace and condescension
which but "intensified the feeling, and drew forth, if possible, louder shouts of
joy and acclamation.
Here, after the performance of some short imposing ceremony, the King
was conducted towards his carriage. With the post-admiral and senior
magistrates on his right, he walked along the platform, his path strewn with
flowers, with a firm and dignified step, amid deafening peals which again
saluted him on all sides. The procession then moved forwards, a showy and
imposing pageant, becoming increasingly so as it gradually spread out and
extended itselfin the distance. The Earl of Kinnoul, as Lord-Lyon, preceding,
curveted and caprioled his noble charger, followed by a cloud of heralds and
richly-dressed cavaliers-his brow circled with his golden coronet, his crimson
mantle flowing in graceful folds to the ground, and his broidered boots and
golden spurs indicating his nobility and proclaiming his rank : next came Sir
Alexander Keith, as Knight-Marshal, accompanied by his grooms and esquires,
all in splendid liveries ; and after him, as White-Rod, Sir Patrick Walker, with
his attendant equemes handsomely mounted and magnificently accoutred,
making an appearance and producing an effect little inferior to that of the
Lord-Lyon himself; then followed a long train of cavalry and infantry, with
city dignitaries, and picturesque Highlanders, in the rear of which appeared
the King in an Admiral's uniform, with a thistle and sprig of heath in his hat,
and on his breast the St. Andrew's cross which had been presented to him
by Sir Walter Scott in name of the ladies of Edinburgh, surrounded by a
royal guard of Archers, Glengarry and his household retainers, and a whole
galaxy of starred and scarletcovered aides-decamp and generals. Onward
it moved with slow and measured pace along Bernard and Constitution
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