The vice-chancellor then made a low obeisance to the king, and producing
a written paper, began the address of the University, to thank his
majesty for this second visit, and to congratulate him and the nation
on his late escape from assassination. He read it in an audible and
distinct voice; and in its conclusion, an address was suddenly made to
the queen, expressive of much concern for her late distress, and
the highest and most profound veneration for her amiable and exalted
character.
An address, to me so unexpected, and on a subject so recent and of so
near concern, in presence of the person preserved, his wife, and his
children, was infinitely touching.
The queen could scarcely bear it, though she had already, I doubt not,
heard it at Nuneham, as these addresses must be first read in private,
to have the answers prepared. Nevertheless, this public tribute of
loyalty to the king, and of respect to herself, went gratefully to her
heart, and filled her eyes with tears--which she would not, however,
encourage, but smiling through them, dispersed them with her fan, with
which she was repeatedly obliged to stop their Course down her cheeks.
The princesses, less guarded, the moment their father's danger was
mentioned, wept with but little control; and no wonder, for I question
if there was one dry eye in the theatre. The tribute, so just, so
honourable, so elegant, paid to the exalted character of the queen,
affected everybody, with joy for her escape from affliction, and with
delight at the reward and the avowal of her virtues.
When the address was ended, the king took a paper from Lord Harcourt,
and read his answer. The king reads admirably; with ease, feeling, and
force, and without any hesitation. His voice is particularly full and
fine. I was very much surprised by its effect. When he had done, he took
off his hat, and bowed to the chancellor and professors, and delivered
the answer to Lord Harcourt, who, walking backwards, descended the
stairs, and presented it to the vice chancellor.
All this ceremony was so perfectly new to me, that I rejoiced extremely
in not missing it. Indeed I would not have given up the pleasure of
seeing the queen on this occasion for any sort of sight that could have
been exhibited to me.
Next followed music: a good organ, very well played, anthem-ed and
voluntary-ed us for some time.