The day was as brilliant as could be wished, the 12th of August, the Prince of Wales's birth day. The Queen was in a hat, and an Italian night-gown of purple lustring, trimmed with silver gauze. She is graceful and genteel; the dignity and sweetness of her manner, the perfect propriety of every thing she says, or does, satisfies every body she honours with her distinction so much, that beauty is by no means wanting to make her perfectly agreeable: and though age and long retirement from court, made me feel timid on my being called to make my appearance, I soon found myself perfectly at ease; for the King's condescension and good humour took off all awe, but what one must have for so respectable a character (severely tried by his enemies at home, as well as abroad.) The three Princesses were all in frocks; the King and all the men were in an uniform, blue and gold. They walked through the great apartments, which are in a line, and attentively observed every thing; the pictures in particular. I kept back in the drawing-room, and took that opportunity of sitting down; when Princess Royal returned to me, and said the Queen missed me in the train: I immediately obeyed the summons with my best alacrity. Her Majesty met me half-way, and seeing me hasten my steps, called out to me, Though I desired you to come, I did not desire you to run and fatigue yourself." They all returned to the great drawing-room, where there were only two armed chairs placed in the middle of the room for the King and Queen.-The King placed the Duchess Dowager of Portland in his chair, and walked about_admiring the beauties of the place. Breakfast was offered-all prepared in a long gallery that runs the length of the great apart ments (a suite of eight rooms and three closets.) The King and all his royal children, and the rest of the train, chose to go to the gallery, where the well furnished tables were set: one with tea, coffee, and chocolate; another with their proper accompaniments of eatables, rolls, cakes, &c.; another table with fruits and ices in the utmost perfection; which with a magical touch had succeeded a cold repast. The Queen remained in the drawing-room: I stood at the back of her chair, which happening to be one of my working, gave the Queen an opportunity of saying many flattering and obliging things. The

66

Duchess Dowager of Portland brought her Majesty a dish of tea on a waiter, with biscuits, which was what she chose; after she had drank her tea, she would not return the cup to the Duchess, but got up and would carry it into the gallery herself, and was much pleased to see with what elegance every thing was prepared: no servants but those out of livery made their appearance. The gay and pleasant appearance they all made, and the satisfaction all expressed, rewarded the attention and politeness of the Duchess of Portland, who is never so happy as when she gratifies those she esteems worthy of her attention and favours. The young royals seemed quite happy, from the eldest to the youngest, and to inherit the gracious manners of their parents. I cannot enter upon their particular address to me, which not only did me honour, but showed their humane and benevolent respect for old age.

The King desired me to show the Queen one of my books of plants: she seated herself in the gallery; a table and the book laid before her. I kept my distance till she called me to ask some questions about the mosaic paper work; and as I stood before Her Majesty, the King set a chair behind me. I turned with some confusion and hesitation, on receiving so great an honour, when the Queen said, "Mrs. Delany, sit down, sit down: it is not every lady that has a chair brought her by a King;" so I obeyed. Amongst many gracious things, the Queen asked me why I was not with the Duchess when she came; for I might be sure she would ask for me?" I was flattered though I knew to whom I was obliged for the distinction, (and doubly flattered by that.) I acknowledged it in as few words as possible, and said I was particularly happy at that time to pay my duty to Her Majesty, as it gave me an opportunity of seeing so many of the Royal Family, which age and obscurity had deprived me of. "Oh but," says Her Majesty, you have not seen all my children yet;" upon which the King came up and asked what we were talking about? which was repeated, and the King replied to the Queen, " you may put Mrs. Delany into the way of doing that, by naming a day for her to drink tea at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Portland was consulted, and the next day fixed upon, as the Duchess had appointed the end of the week for going to Weymouth.

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We

We went at the hour appointed, seven o'clock, and were received in the lower private apartment in the Castle: went through a large room with great bay windows, where were all the Princesses and youngest Princes, with their attendant ladies and gentlemen. We passed on to the bedchamber, where the Queen stood in the middle of the room, with Lady Weymouth and Lady Charlotte Finch. (The King and the eldest Princes had walked out.) When the Queen took her seat, and the ladies their places, she ordered a chair to be set for me opposite to where she sat, and asked me if I felt any wind from the door or window?It was indeed a sultry day.

At eight the King, &c. came into the room with so much cheerfulness and good humour, that it was impossible to feel any painful restriction. It was the hour of the King and Queen and eleven of the Princes and Princesses' walking on the terrace. They apologised for going, but said the crowd expected them; but they left Lady Weymouth and the Bishop of Lichfield to entertain us in their absence: we sat in the baywindow, well pleased with our companions, and the brilliant show on the terrace, on which we looked; the band of music playing all the time under the window. When they returned we were summoned into the next room to tea, and the Royals began a ball, and danced two country dances, to the music of French horns, bassoons, and hautboys, which were the same that played on the terrace. The King came up to the Prince of Wales, and said he was sure, when he considered how great an effort it must be to play that kind of music so long a time together, that he would not continue their dancing there, but that the Queen and the rest of the company were going to the Queen's house, and they should renew their dancing there, and have proper music.

ANOTHER VISIT, 1781. ON Tuesday morning, a quarter before ten, the Duchess of Portland stept into her chaise, and I had the honour of attending her. We went to Garrat's Cross, about the middle of the common, by the appointment and command of the King, who came, about a quarter of an hour after, with the Prince of Wales, and a large retinue. His Majesty came up immediately to the Duchess of Portland's carrage, most gracious, and delighted to see the Duchess out so early. The Queen was there with the two eldest MONTHLY MAG. No. 342.

Princesses and Lady Courtown, in a post-chaise and four. The King came with a message from the Queen to the Duchess of Portland, to say, Her Ma jesty would see her safe back to Bulstrode, and breakfast with Her Grace. The Duke of Cumberland was there; and a great many carriages, and many of our acquaintance: amongst them, Lady Mary Forbes and her family. She took three rooms at the Bull Inn, and breakfasted thirty people. The King himself ordered the spot where the Duchess of Portland's chaise should stand to see the stag turned out. It was brought in a cart to that place by the King's command. The stag was set at liberty, and the poor trembling creature bounded over the plain, in hopes of escaping from his pursuers; but the dogs and the hunters were soon after him, and all out of sight.

The Duchess of Portland returned home, in order to be ready to receive the Queen, who immediately followed before we could pull off our bonnets and cloaks. We received Her Majesty and the Princesses on the steps at the door, she is so condescending and gracious that she makes every thing perfectly easy. We got home a quarter before eleven o'clock; Her Majesty staid till two. In her return back to Windsor she met the chase, and was at the taking of the stag: they would not let the dogs kill him.

On Wednesday the Duchess of Portland intended to go and return the Queen thanks for the honour she had done her: we were to set out early. I dressed my head for the day before breakfast, when a letter arrived from Miss Hamilton, from the Queen's lodge, to me, with a message from the King, to desire we would not come till Thursday evening, eight o'clock; as he could not be at home till then. Accordingly, we went: were there at the appointed hour. The King and Queen and the Princesses received us in the drawingroom, to which we went through the concert-room. Princess Mary took me by the left hand, Princess Sophia and the sweet little Prince Octavius, took me by the right hand, and led me after the Duchess of Portland into the drawing-room. The King nodded and smiled upon my little conductors, and bid them to lead me up to the Queen, who stood in the middle of the room. When we were all seated, (for the Queen is so gracious she will always make me sit 40

down.)

down,) the Duchess of Portland sat next to the Queen, and I sat next to Princess Royal. On the other side of me was a chair, and His Majesty did me the honour to sit by me. He went backwards and forwards between that and the music-room: he was so gracious as to have a good deal of conversation with me, particularly about Handal's music; and ordered those pieces to be played which he found I gave a preference to. In the course of the evening the Queen changed places with Princess Royal, saying, most graciously, she must have a little conversation with Mrs. Delany, which lasted about half an hour. then got up, it being half-an-hour after ten, and said she was afraid she should keep the Duchess of Portland too late, and made her courtesy, and we withdrew. There was nobody but their attendants, and Lord and Lady Courtown.

A THIRD VISIT, 1783.

She

In a few days after our arrival here, the Duchess of Portland and I were sitting in the long gallery, very busy with our different employments, when, without any ceremony, His Majesty walked up to our table unperceived and unknown, till he came quite up to us. You may believe we were at first a little fluttered with his royal presence; but his courteous and affable manner soon made him a welcome guest. He came to inform the Duchess of Portland of the Queen's perfect recovery after her lyingin, which made him doubly welcome.

Breakfast was called for, and after a visit of two hours the King left us. About a week after this, the King and Queen came together, only accompanied by Lady Courtown. They breakfasted and stayed much about the same time. The etiquette is, that the person, on whom such an honour is conferred, goes the next day to enquire after Their Majesties; but the Queen waved that ceremony, and desired the Duchess not to come till she received a summons, as they were going to St. James's for some days. Last Thursday, 2nd of October, a little before twelve o'clock, word was brought that the Royal Family were coming up the Park; and immediately after, two coaches-and-six, with the King on horseback, and a great retinue, came up to the hall door. The company were, the King and Queen, Princess Royal, Princess Augusta, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Mary, and Princess Sophia, a lovely group, all dressed in white muslin polonoises, white chip hats

with white feathers, except the Queen, who had on a black hat and cloak;— the King dressed in his Windsor uniform of blue and gold; the Queen attended by the Duchess of Ancaster, who is mistress of the robes, and Lady Elizabeth Waldegrave, who attends the two eldest Princesses, and Mrs. Goldsworthy, who is sub-governess to the three younger Princesses, The King had no attendants but the equerries, Major Digby and Major Price. They were in the drawing-room before I was sent for, where I found the King and Queen and the Duchess of Portland seated at a table in the middle of the room. The King, with his usual graciousness, came up to me, and brought me forward, and I found the Queen very busy in showing a very elegant machine to the Duchess of Portland, which was a frame for weaving of fringe, of a new and most delicate structure, and would take up as much paper as has already been written upon to describe it minutely, yet it is of such simplicity as to be very useful. You will easily imagine the grateful feeling I had when the Queen presented it to me, to make up some knotted fringe which she saw me about. The King, at the same time, said he must contribute something to my work, and presented me with a gold knotting shuttle, of most exquisite workmanship and taste; and I am at this time, while I am dictating the letter, knotting white silk, to fringe the bag which is to con

tain it.

On the Monday after, we were appointed to go to the lodge at Windsor, at two o'clock. We were first taken into the Duchess of Ancaster's dressing-room; in a quarter of an hour after, to the King and Queen in the drawing-room, who had nobody with them but Prince Alverstaden, the Hanoverian minister, which gave me an opportunity of hearing the Queen-speak German; and I may say, it was the first time I received pleasure from what I did not understand; but there was such a fluency and sweetness in her manner of speaking it, that it sounded as gentle as Italian.

There were two chairs brought in, for the Duchess of Portland and myself to sit on, (by order of their Majesties,) which were easier than those belonging to the room. We were seated near the door that opened into the concert-room. The King directed them to play Handel and Geminiani's music, which he was graciously pleased to say was to gratify me.

These

These are flattering honours. I should not indulge so much upon this subject, but that I depend upon your considering it proceeding more from gratitude than vanity. The three eldest Princesses came into the room in about half an hour after we were seated. All the royal family were dressed in a uniform for the demi-saison, of a violet-blue armozine, gauze aprons, &c. &c.: the Queen had the addition of a great many fine pearls.

When the concert of music was over, the young Princess Amelia, nine weeks old, was sent for, and brought in by her nurse and attendants. The King took her in his arms, and presented her to the Duchess of Portland and to me. Your affectionate heart would have been delighted with the royal domestic scene; an example worthy of imitation by all ranks, and, indeed, adding dignity to their high station.

MRS. SIDDONS READING.

On Thursday, the 9th of May, I received a note from Lady Weymouth, to tell me the Queen invited me to Her Majesty's house; to come at seven o'clock with the Duchess Dowager of Portland, to hear Mrs. Siddons read "The Provoked Husband." You may believe I obeyed the royal summons, and was much entertained. It was very desirable to me, as I had no other opportunity of hearing or seeing Mrs. Siddons; and she fully answered my expectations: her person and manner perfectly agreeable. We were received in the great drawing-room by the King and Queen, their five daughters, and Prince Edward. Besides the royal family, there were only the Duchess Dowager of Portland, her daughter Lady Weymouth, and her beautiful grand-daughter Lady Aylesford; Lord and Lady Harcourt, Lady Charlotte Finch, Duke of Montague, and the gentlemen attendant on the King. There were two rows of chairs for the company the length of the room.

Their Majesties sat in the middle of the first row, with the Princesses on each hand, which filled it. The rest of the ladies were seated in row behind them, and as there was a space between that and the wall, the lords and gentlemen that were admitted stood there. Mrs. Siddons read standing, and had a desk with candles before her: she behaved with great propriety, and read two acts of the Provoked Husband, which was abridged, by leaving out Sir

Francis and Lady Wronghead's parts, &c.; but she introduced John Moody's account of the journey, and read it admirably. The part of Lord and Lady Townly's reconciliation she worked up finely, and made it very affecting. She also read Queen Katharine's last speech in King Henry VIII. She was allowed

three pauses, to go into the next room and refresh herself, for half an hour each time.

HER WINDSOR LIFE, 1786.

The constant course of my living at present, from which I vary very little, is as follows: I seldom miss going early to prayers at the King's chapel, at eight o'clock, where I never fail of seeing their Majesties and all the royal family. The common way of going up to the chapel is through the great entrance into the castle, which is a large room with stone pillars, at the corner of which is a narrow winding staircase, which leads to the chapel; but their Majesties, with their usual goodness and indulgence, have ordered that I should be admitted through the great staircase, which is a very easy ascent. When chapel is over, all the congregation make a line in the great portico till their Majesties have passed; for they always walk to chapel and back again, and speak to every body of consequence as they pass: indeed, it is a delightful sight to see so much beauty, dignity, and condescension, united as they are in the royal family. I come home to breakfast generally about nine o'clock: if I and the weather are well enough, I take the air for two hours. The rest of the morning is devoted to business, and the company of my particular friends. I admit no formal visitors, as I really have not time or spirits for it, and every body here is very civil and very considerate.

My afternoons I keep entirely to my self, that I may have no interruption whenever my royal neighbours condescend to visit me: their usual time of coming is between six and seven o'clock, and generally stay till between eight and nine. They always drink tea here, and my niece has the honour of dealing it about to all the royal family, as they will not suffer me to do it (though it is my place ;) the Queen always placing me upon the sofa by her, and the King when he sits down, which is seldom, sits next the sofa. Indeed, their visits are not limited to the afternoons, for their Majesties often call on me in a morning and take me as they find me,

not

not suffering any body to give me notice of their being come. Great as my awe is, their Majesties have such sweetness of manners that it takes off all painful sensation.

At this time of the year the evenings are devoted by them to the Terrace, till eight o'clock, when they return to the Lodge to their tea and concert of music; happy are those who are admitted to that circle! The Queen has the goodness to command me to come to the lodge, whenever it is quite easy to me to do it, without sending particularly for me, lest it should embarrass me to refuse that honour; so that most evenings, at half-an-hour past seven, I go to Miss Burney's apartment, and when the royal family return from the terrace, the King, or one of the Princesses (generally the youngest, Princess Amelia, just four years old) come into the room, take me by the hand, and lead me into the drawing-room, where there is a chair ready for me by the Queen's left hand; the three eldest Princesses sit round the table, and the ladies in waiting. Lady Charlotte Finch and Lady Elizabeth Waldegrave. A vacant chair is left for the King whenever he pleases to sit down in it. Every one is employed with pencil, needle, or knotting. Between the pieces of music the conversation is easy and pleasant; and, for an hour before the conclusion of the whole, the King plays at backgammon with one of his equerries, and I am generally dismissed; I then go to Miss Burney's room again, where Miss Port generally spends the evenings that I am at the lodge, and has an opportunity of being in good company there.

MISS BURNEY.

An event has taken place which gives me great satisfaction: I am sure you are acquainted with the novel entitled Cecilia, much admired for its good sense, variety of character, delicacy of sentiment, &c.&c. There is nothing good, and amiable, and agreeable mentioned in the book, that is not possessed by the author of it, Miss Burney: I have been acquainted with her now three years: her extreme diffidence of herself, notwithstanding her great genius, and the applause she has met with, adds lustre to all her excellencies, and all improve

• Daughter of the late Mrs. Mary Port, of Islam, who was niece of Mrs. Delany, and

one of the most intelligent, accomplished, and interesting women of her time.-EDITOR M.M.

on acquaintance. In the course of this last year, she has been so good as to pass a few weeks with me at Windsor, which gave the Queen an opportunity of seeing and talking with her, which her Majesty was so gracious to admit of. One of the principal ladies that attend the Queen's person as dresser, is going to retire into her own country, being in too bad a state of health to continue her honourable and delightful employment, for such it must be near such a Queen; and Miss Burney is to be the happy successor, chosen by the Queen without any particular recommendation from any body.

MARGARET NICHOLSON.

It is impossible for me to enumerate the daily instances I receive from my royal friends; who seem unwearied in the pursuit of making me as happy as they can. I am sure you must be very sensible how thankful I am to Providence for the late wonderful escape of his Majesty from the stroke of assassination: indeed, the horror that there was a possibility that such an attempt would be made, shocked me so much at first, that I could hardly enjoy the blessing of such a preservation. The King would not suffer any body to inform the Queen of that event, till he could show himself in person to her. He returned to Windsor as soon as the council was over. When his Majesty entered the Queen's dressingroom, he found her with the two eldest princesses: and entering in an animated manner, said, "Here I am, safe and well!" The Queen suspected from this saying, that some accident had happened, on which he informed her of the whole affair. The queen stood struck and motionless for some time, till the princesses burst into tears, in which she immediately found relief by joining with them. Joy soon succeeded this agitation of mind, on the assurance that the person was insane that had the boldness to make the attack, which took off all aggravating suspicion; and it has been the means of showing the whole kingdom, that the King has the hearts of his subjects. I must tell you a particular gracious attention to me on the occasion: their Majesties sent immediately to my house to give orders I should not be told of it till the next morning, for fear the agitation should give me a bad night. Dowager Lady Spencer was in the house with me, and went with me to early prayers, next morning, at eight o'clock; and after chapel was over she separated herself

from