MARLBOROUGH HOUSE 



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exquisite music of the Guards' band. From the seats by the top 

 of the wall, two generations of Princes and Princesses have 

 watched, not only the pretty military spectacle, but gorgeous 

 state processions, some sad and many pre-eminently joyous, 

 which have passed along the road below. 



In the little square plot bounded on the west by the 

 shrubbery, on the south by the broad walk, in the angle 

 formed by Marlborough House and the old Chapel, is a lovely 

 bit of lawn. Were it not for the need of keeping open as 

 many large spaces as possible, what a charming secluded 

 pleasance might here be made. The corresponding lawn at 

 the east end of the mansion is, perhaps, too shady by reason of 

 the high buildings and tall trees which almost surround it, 

 but this gets a full measure of sunshine, and in these days 

 of diminishing fog and smoke, might well repay a more 

 ornamental scheme of cultivation, should such a course seem 

 desirable. 



The main lawn, as has been said, is divided by two cross 

 paths into three parts. In the centre of the middle one, a 

 very handsome carved marble flower-vase, on a beautifully 

 wrought slender stem, is set on a pedestal of three steps. 

 And growing out of the lawn are many fine old lime-trees. 

 As the sunlight filters through their leaves it casts cool 

 shadows dappled with wavering lights in many a lovely pattern 

 on the level sward. Some seats and tables give the place a 

 homely and a kindly look, and among the twigs and branches 

 of the beautiful old trees many birds find quiet rest or fill 

 the air with song. There is here such a sense of calm and 

 peaceful retirement, that were it not for the never-ending 

 under-hum of London, which makes a kind of dim diapason to 

 the light trills of the birds' soprano, it would be difficult to 

 realise that the garden is close to some of the main streets 

 and avenues of the most populous city in the world. 



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