LETTER XXL SECOND DURBAR 



DELHI, December 315*. 1912. 



I REFRAINED from writing to you about the Great 

 Delhi Durbar because I knew that the facile 

 pens of the ready writers, the journalists, would 

 furnish you with graphic and appealing accounts 

 of that great event. 



If I were asked what has made the most lasting 

 impression on me, upon my word, I think it is 

 the courage of which the Queen gave evidence 

 when there was an alarm of fire at the Investiture. 

 I do not care what may be said to the contrary, 

 every man and woman, English and Indian, 

 present winced I can find no better expression 

 when the rumour ran that the huge shamiana was 

 on fire; and no wonder, for had the fire taken hold 

 of the gigantic beflagged and becurtained tent 

 but few could have escaped. 



One person only never winced the Queen. 

 My eyes were fixed on her face, and I can affirm 

 that her eyelids never moved, and that her lips 

 never twitched. 



It was a remarkable exhibition of courage, 

 dignity, and self-control. 



Of the second Durbar (on December 23rd, 1912), 

 I think I may be permitted to send you a very 

 brief account, since regrettable circumstances 

 obliged me greatly against my inclination to play 

 the principaljpart in it. 



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