The Queen Dowager. 8i 



A pillar of state : deep on his front engraven 

 Deliberation sat and public care ; 

 And princely counsel in his face yet shone. 

 Majestic though in ruin." 



He has work to do yet. If he were only fifty instead 

 of seventy odd ! Well, God bless him for what he has 

 done ; may he rule England long! 



A memorable event occurred at Windsor, Sunday, 

 June 19th — the Queen Dowager reached her seventy- 

 first year. At breakfast Mr. B. rose, and addressing 

 himself to her, made one of the sweetest, prettiest 

 speeches ever heard. He presented to her an exqui- 

 site silver cup, ornamented with birds and flowers, and 

 inscribed : " Presented to Mrs, M, C, at Windsor, by 

 the members of the coaching-party, upon her seventy- 

 first birthday." Mr. B.'s reference to her intense love 

 of nature in all its glorious forms, from the tiny gowan 

 to the extended landscape, was most appropriate. 



We were completely surprised ; and when the 

 speaker concluded, the Scribe was about to rise and 

 respond, but a slight motion from Her Majesty apprized 

 him that she preferred to reply in person. She acquitted 

 herself grandly. Her speech was a gem (Mem. — it 

 was so short). After thanking her dear friends, she 

 said : 



" I can only wish that you may all have as good 

 health, as complete command of all your faculties, and 

 enjoy flowers and birds and all things of nature as much 



