"Interdict of rapacity and injustice."

"Equity and mercy in his judgments, as God the gracious and just might
show mercy to him."

And deep from the hearts of thousands came the low "Amen."

Then after a short prayer, which each prelate repeated, the crowd saw
afar the glitter of the crown held over the head of the King. The
voice of the consecrator was heard, low till it came to the words "So
potently and royally may he rule, against all visible and invisible
foes, that the royal throne of the Angles and Saxons may not desert
his sceptre."

As the prayer ceased, came the symbolical rite of anointment. Then
pealed the sonorous organ [220], and solemn along the aisles rose the
anthem that closed with the chorus which the voice of the multitude
swelled, "May the King live for ever!" Then the crown that had
gleamed in the trembling hand of the prelate, rested firm in its
splendour on the front of the King. And the sceptre of rule, and the
rod of justice, "to sooth the pious and terrify the bad," were placed
in the royal hands. And the prayer and the blessings were renewed,--
till the close; "Bless, Lord, the courage of this Prince, and prosper
the works of his hand. With his horn, as the horn of the rhinoceros,
may he blow the waters to the extremities of the earth; and may He who
has ascended to the skies be his aid for ever!"

Then Hilda stretched forth her hand to lead Edith from the place. But
Edith shook her head and murmured "But once again, but once!" and with
involuntary step moved on.