that I cannot easily tell you how happy I think myself, and must
be the worst man living (which I hope I am not) if I be not a
good husband. I am confident never two humours were better
fitted together than ours are. We cannot stir from hence till
Tuesday, by reason that there is not carts to be had to-morrow to
transport all our GUARDE INFANTAS, without which there is no
stirring: so you are not to expect me till Thursday night at
Hampton Court."

They did not reach the palace until the 29th of May, that being
the king's birthday, and, moreover, the anniversary of his
entrance into London; a date which the Queen's arrival now caused
to be celebrated with triple magnificence and joy. When the
coach that conveyed their majesties drew near, the whole palace
seemed astir with happy excitement. Double lines of soldiers,
both horse and foot, lined the way from the gates to the
entrance. In the great hall the lord chancellor, foreign
ambassadors, judges, and councillors of state awaited to pay
homage to their majesties; whilst in various apartments were the
nobility and men of quality, with their ladies, ranged according
to their rank, being all eager to kiss the new queen's hand.
Sure never was such show of gladness. Bells rang people cheered,
bonfires blazed.

In the evening news was brought that the Duchess of York was
being rowed to Hampton from town; hearing which, the king, with a
blithe heart, betook his way to meet her through the garden, now
bright with spring flowers and fragrant with sweet scents, till
he arrived at the gate by which the silver streak of the pleasant
Thames flowed past. And presently on this calm May eve the sound