from its state bed, which Evelyn says was "an embroidery of
silver on crimson velvet, and cost L8,000, being a present made
by the States of Holland, when his majesty returned, and had
formerly been given by them to our king's sister, ye Princess of
Orange, and being bought of her againe, was now presented to ye
king." Around this noble residence, where the court was wont to
tarry in summer months, stretched broad and flowerful gardens,
with wide parterres, noble statues, sparkling fountains, and
marble vases; and beyond lay the park, planted "with swete rows
of lime-trees."

And here all day long, in the fair summer time of this year,
pleasure held boundless sway. Sauntering in balmy gardens, or
seeking shelter from sun-rays in green glades and leafy groves,
their majesties, surrounded by their brilliant court, chased
bright hours away in frolic and pleasantry from noon till night.
Then revelry, gaining new life, began once more, when courtly
figures danced graceful measures to sounds of mirthful strains,
under the lustre of innumerable lights.

For a while it seemed as if a brave prospect of happiness was in
store for the young queen. Her love for her husband, her delight
in his affection, her pride in his accomplishments, together with
her simplicity, innocence, and naivete, completely won his heart.
These claims to his affection were, moreover, strengthened by the
charms of her person. Lord Chesterfield, a man whom experience
of the sex had made critical, writes that she "was exactly
shaped, has lovely hands, excellent eyes, a good countenance, a
pleasing voice, fine hair, and, in a word, what an understanding
man would wish for in a wife." Notwithstanding the attractions