after the glorious Battle of Waterloo. So pointed was the conduct of her Royal Highness upon this occasion, and so anxious was she that all the honour should be reflected on the gallant Duke, that not only when "See the conquering Hero comes," but also "God save the King" was sung, she joined in them both most heartily as one of the audience, thereby disclaiming all reference to herself even in the latter national anthem. Perhaps so royal and so noble a chorus had never before graced the walls of any theatre, either in ancient or in modern times.

Hitherto all the addresses proposed in compliment to the royal nuptials had been carried without a dissentient voice; but it was left for the County of Kent, or rather indeed for a party at Maidstone, to disgrace the public opinion, by an opposition as unhandsome as it was unfounded. But the loyal Men of Kent disdained the insiduous proceedings, and accordingly prepared a most becoming address, which was presented on the 4th of July along with many others; and so great had been the enthusiasm to rescue the county from the stain cast upon it, that there were not less than 5000 signatures to this address, measuring about twenty yards, on twenty skins of parchment. How pleasing would it be, under happier circumstances than those of the present day, to, trace the feelings of surprise and admiration that

must have filled the bosom of the youthful Prince at those ebullitions of English originality and freedom of sentiment-but we hasten on to an event in this month which afforded much satisfaction to the nation, in the flattering hope it presented of a continuation of the line of Brunswick. Public condolence was therefore united with public gratulation, when it was known that an indisposition which confined her Royal Highness to her chamber, was one which promised, in due time, a future heir to Britain. It was also most pleasing to find, that the Princess was by no means so absorbed in her own feelings as to be forgetful of the welfare of the country; it being now fully understood, that she was determined to give every encouragement which example could afford to native industry, in consequence of which it was known to be "announced to the establishment of the Princess Charlotte of Wales, that her Royal Highness expected they will wear in future only British manufactures. An order was at the same time sent to her dress-makers, &c. not to introduce any thing foreign into articles prepared for the wear of her Royal Highness, on pain of incurring her displeasure, and being no longer employed."

This agreeable piece of intelligence was further heightened by an almost simultaneous notice from the Prince Regent for the wearing of home manufactures at the various fetes then in contemplation,

National Disappointment.

135

in honour of the expected union of the Duke of Gloucester with the Princess Mary.

On the 11th of July the Freedom of the City of London was most respectfully presented to Prince Leopold; and on the 22d, the new Royal Union took place, the Princess Charlotte being sufficiently convalescent to attend at the ceremony; but the public hopes were speedily dashed, by an announcement that her Royal Highness's recent indisposition had terminated in a delicate disappointment to the existing prospects of royal succession. Still, however, it was gratifying to find her so far recovered from the effects of her illness, as to receive company, and even to give a musical fete towards the end of the month, where she herself presided, delighting the company with her skill and affability, in which she was most happily imitated by her beloved consort.

It had been long a favourite amusement of her Royal Highness to preside at her own musical parties, in reference to which, the following anecdote not only bespeaks an exalted spirit, but adds also to our grief that such an amiable, virtuous being, should be lost to us for ever.

Some years ago a foreigner (whom it is unnecessary to name) gave lessons to the Princess in singing and music. On one occasion her Royal Highness performed to a large party at Warwick House, and was of course highly applauded; but she was con

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Musical Anecdote.

scious she did not then deserve it. Turning round to her teacher, she asked his opinion; he said that she sung delightfully, and played charmingly. Her Royal Highness took no further notice of the matter then, but when signior called next, one of the household was desired to pay him, and at the same time to say "that her Royal Highness could not expect to profit by the instructions of a person who was mean enough to flatter her against his reason, and who had not candour to tell her when she was

wrong, but suffer her to expose herself!”

Claremont.

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CHAPTER VII.

Country Residence-Domestic Felicity-Private Character of the Princess-Her Character as a Wife-Political Character— Mutual Affection-Domestic Arrangements and Benevolence -Encouragement of British Manufactures.

THE purchase of Claremont became now an object of interest to the young pair, as both concurred in a preference of rural life, particularly in a domain already so much indebted to nature and art, yet still capable of further embellishment, not only from landscape gardening, but also from general improvements in its vicinity. As the summer advanced, the purchase was completed; early in August, preparations were made for an established residence at that delightful spot; and, on Saturday, the 24th of August, the Prince 'and Princess arrived there to dinner; from which period it became their constant residence.*

* Though this villa early received from nature and art such liberal advantages, as had brought it the nearest to perfection of any in the kingdom, and was an instance where great expense had really succeeded in producing grandeur, convenience, delight, and enjoyment; yet it owes much to the good taste of the royal possessors. It has gradually risen to this perfection. Campbell's Vitruvius Britanicus speaks highly of the gardens, plantations, and