And leave your native home;
The Land of Cakes affords good cheer
And you've a mind to roam.—
Here splendid sights, and gala nights
Are all prepar'd for Thee;
While Lords and Knights,—('mid gay delights!)
And Ladies bend the knee.
Haste away to Scotia's Land,
And join the sportive, reeling band,
With ilka bonny lad.—
For night and day,—we'll trip away,
With cheerful dance, and glee;
Come o'er the spray,—without delay,
Each joy's prepared for Thee.
[378] The morning arose with a smiling and inviting2 aspect; and as it had been previously3 rumoured4 that his Majesty5 would embark6 from Greenwich Hospital at half-past eight o'clock, on his intended voyage to Scotland, our party had arranged every thing for their departure at an early hour, and before seven o'clock had seated themselves in a commodious7 and elegant barge8 moored9 off Westminster Bridge, intending, if possible, to see the City Companies, headed by the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, start, as had been proposed, from the Tower. They were shortly afterwards gliding10 on the surface of the watery11 element towards the scene of action: by this time the numerous parties in pursuit of the same object were on the alert; and from almost every part of the shore as they passed along, gaily12 dressed company was embarking13, while merry peals14 of bells seemed to announce approaching delight. The steeples on shore, and the vessels16 in the river, exhibited flags and streamers, which gave an additional splendour to the scene. All was anxiety and expectation; numerous barges17 and pleasure-boats, laden18 with elegant company, were speeding the same way, and every moment increasing, so that the whole view displayed a combination of beauty, fashion, and loyalty19 not often surpassed.
[379] On arriving off the Tower, it was soon ascertained20 that the Lord Mayor and City Companies had got the start of them, and consequently they proceeded on their journey, not doubting but they should overtake them before reaching Greenwich; and in this expectation they were not disappointed; for soon after passing Rotherhithe Church, they came up with the City State Barge, which was towed by a steam boat, accompanied by several other state barges, the whole filled with company. The brightness of the morning, and the superb appearance of these gaily manned, and it might be added gaily womaned gallies, (for a numerous party of fashionably attired21 ladies added their embellishing22 presence to the spectacle) formed altogether a picture of more than ordinary interest and magnificence.
“This Royal Visit to Scotland,” said Sparkle, “has for some time past been a prevailing23 topic of discussion from one end of the Land of Cakes to the other, and the preparations for his Majesty's reception are of the most splendid description—triumphal arches are to be erected24, new roads to be made, banquets to be given, general illuminations to take place, body guards of royal archers25 to be appointed, and the dull light of oil lamps to be totally obscured by the full blaze of Royal Gas. Then there are to be meetings of the civil and municipal authorities from every town and county, presenting loyal and dutiful addresses; and it is expected that there will be so much booing among the “Carle's when the King's come,” that the oilmen are said to be not a whit26 disconcerted at the introduction of gas lights, the unctuous27 article being at present in great demand, for the purpose of suppling28 the stiff joints29 of the would-be courtiers, who have resolved to give a characteristic specimen30 of their humble31 loyalty, and to oulboo all the hooings of the famed Sir Pertinax.”
“However,” observed Dashall, “it is not very likely they will be able to equal the grace with which it is acknowledged the King can bow; and he is to be accompanied by the accomplished32 Sir Billy, of City notoriety; so that admirable examples are certain of being presented to the Scottish gentry33: reports state [380] that the worthy34 Baronet, who is considered to be of great weight wherever he goes, is determined35 to afford his Majesty, in this visit to Edinburgh, the benefit of that preponderating36 loyalty which he last year threw into the scale of the Dublin Corporation; and that he has recently purchased from a Highland tailor in the Hay market, a complete suit of tartan, philebeg, &c. with which he means to invest himself, as the appropriate costume, to meet his royal master on his arrival at Edinburgh.”
“In that case,” said Sparkle, “there is one circumstance greatly to be regretted, considering the gratification which our northern neighbours might have derived37, from ascertaining38 the precise number of cwts. of the most weighty of London citizens. I remember reading a day or two back that the weigh-house of the City of Edinburgh was disposed of by public roup, and that a number of workmen were immediately employed to take it down, as the whole must be cleared away by the 6th of August, under a penalty of 50L.: what a pity, that in the annals of the weigh-house, the Scotch39 could not have registered the actual weight of the greatest of London Aldermen.”
Tom and Bob laughed heartily40 at their friend Sparkle's anticipations41 respecting the worthy Baronet; while Bob dryly remarked, “he should think Sir Willie would prove himself a honnie lad among the lasses O; and nae doubt he would cut a braw figure in his Highland suit.”
“But,” continued Dashall, “we are indulging in visions of fancy, without paying that attention to the scene around us which it deserves, and I perceive we are approaching Greenwich Hospital. There is the royal yacht ready prepared for the occasion; the shores are already crowded with company, and the boats and barges are contending for eligible43 situations to view the embarkation44. There is the floating chapel45; and a little further on to the right is the Marine46 Society's School-ship, for the education of young lads for his Majesty's service. The Hospital now presents a grand and interesting appearance. What say you, suppose we land at the Three Crowns, and make inquiry47 as to the likely time of his Majesty's departure.”
“With all my heart,” replied Sparkle, “and we can then refresh, for I am not exactly used to water excursions, and particularly so early in the morning, consequently it has a good effect on the appetite.”
[381] By this time the City Barges had taken positions in the front of the Hospital, and our party passed them to gain the proposed place of inquiry: here, however, all was conjecture48; the people of Greenwich Hospital appeared to know as little of the time appointed as those of the metropolis49; and finding they had little chance of accommodation in consequence of the great influx50 of company, they again embarked51, and shortly after attacked the produce of their locker52, and with an excellent tongue and a glass of Madeira, regaled themselves sufficiently53 to wait the arrival. Time, however, hung heavily on their hands, though they had a view of thousands much worse situated54 than themselves, and could only contemplate55 the scene with astonishment56, that serious mischiefs57 did not accrue58, from the immense congregated59 multitude by which they were surrounded.
Anxiety and anticipation42 were almost exhausted60, and had nearly given place to despondency, when about three o'clock the extraordinary bustle61 on shore announced the certainty of the expected event being about to take place; and in about half an hour after, they were gratified by seeing his Majesty descend62 the steps of the Hospital, attended by the noblemen, &c. under a royal salute63, and rowed to the vessel15 prepared to receive him. The royal standard was immediately hoisted64, and away sailed the King, amidst the heartfelt congratulations and good wishes of his affectionate and loyal people, the firing of cannon65, the ringing of bells, and every other demonstration66 of a lively interest in his safety and welfare: leaving many to conjecture the feelings with which the heart must be impressed of a person so honoured and attended, we shall select a few descriptive lines from the pen of a literary gentleman, in his opinion the most likely to be expressive67 of the sentiments entertained on the occasion.
ROYAL RECOLLECTIONS.
As slow the yacht her northern track
Her noble Master oft look'd back,
To that dear spot 'twas leaving:
So loth to part from her he loves,
He turns his eye where'er he roves,
To her he's left behind him.
When, round the bowl, of other dears
His smiles resemble vapourish tears,
So faint, so sad their beaming;
While memory brings him back again,
Each early tie that twin'd him,
How sweet's the cup that circles then,
To her he's left behind him.
Ah! should our noble master meet
Some Highland lass enchanting71,
Yet love would still be wanting;
If heav'n had but assign'd him,
To live and die so pure as this,
With her he's left behind him.
As travelers oft look back at eve,
To gaze upon that light they leave,
Still faint behind them glowing.
So, ere he's been a month away,
At home we sure shall find him,
For he can never longer stay,
From her he's left behind him.
The gay assemblage before them, and the ceremony of the embarkation, the sound of music, and the shouts of the populace, and animated75 appearance of the river, which by this time seemed all in motion, amply repaid our friends for the time they had waited; and after watching the departure of the Royal Squadron, they returned to town; and as they passed the London Docks, it occurred to the mind of the Hon. Tom Dashall, that his Cousin had not yet paid a visit to these highly interesting productions of human genius; and it was agreed that a day should be devoted76 to their inspection77 before his departure from the Metropolis.
点击收听单词发音
1 highland | |
n.(pl.)高地,山地 | |
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2 inviting | |
adj.诱人的,引人注目的 | |
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3 previously | |
adv.以前,先前(地) | |
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4 rumoured | |
adj.谣传的;传说的;风 | |
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5 majesty | |
n.雄伟,壮丽,庄严,威严;最高权威,王权 | |
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6 embark | |
vi.乘船,着手,从事,上飞机 | |
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7 commodious | |
adj.宽敞的;使用方便的 | |
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8 barge | |
n.平底载货船,驳船 | |
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9 moored | |
adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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10 gliding | |
v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
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11 watery | |
adj.有水的,水汪汪的;湿的,湿润的 | |
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12 gaily | |
adv.欢乐地,高兴地 | |
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13 embarking | |
乘船( embark的现在分词 ); 装载; 从事 | |
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14 peals | |
n.(声音大而持续或重复的)洪亮的响声( peal的名词复数 );隆隆声;洪亮的钟声;钟乐v.(使)(钟等)鸣响,(雷等)发出隆隆声( peal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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15 vessel | |
n.船舶;容器,器皿;管,导管,血管 | |
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16 vessels | |
n.血管( vessel的名词复数 );船;容器;(具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的)人 | |
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17 barges | |
驳船( barge的名词复数 ) | |
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18 laden | |
adj.装满了的;充满了的;负了重担的;苦恼的 | |
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19 loyalty | |
n.忠诚,忠心 | |
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20 ascertained | |
v.弄清,确定,查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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21 attired | |
adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服,使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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22 embellishing | |
v.美化( embellish的现在分词 );装饰;修饰;润色 | |
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23 prevailing | |
adj.盛行的;占优势的;主要的 | |
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24 ERECTED | |
adj. 直立的,竖立的,笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立,建立 | |
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25 archers | |
n.弓箭手,射箭运动员( archer的名词复数 ) | |
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26 whit | |
n.一点,丝毫 | |
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27 unctuous | |
adj.油腔滑调的,大胆的 | |
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28 suppling | |
使柔软,使柔顺(supple的现在分词形式) | |
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29 joints | |
接头( joint的名词复数 ); 关节; 公共场所(尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所) (非正式); 一块烤肉 (英式英语) | |
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30 specimen | |
n.样本,标本 | |
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31 humble | |
adj.谦卑的,恭顺的;地位低下的;v.降低,贬低 | |
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32 accomplished | |
adj.有才艺的;有造诣的;达到了的 | |
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33 gentry | |
n.绅士阶级,上层阶级 | |
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34 worthy | |
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的 | |
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35 determined | |
adj.坚定的;有决心的 | |
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36 preponderating | |
v.超过,胜过( preponderate的现在分词 ) | |
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37 derived | |
vi.起源;由来;衍生;导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 );(从…中)得到获得;源于;(从…中)提取 | |
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38 ascertaining | |
v.弄清,确定,查明( ascertain的现在分词 ) | |
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39 scotch | |
n.伤口,刻痕;苏格兰威士忌酒;v.粉碎,消灭,阻止;adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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40 heartily | |
adv.衷心地,诚恳地,十分,很 | |
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41 anticipations | |
预期( anticipation的名词复数 ); 预测; (信托财产收益的)预支; 预期的事物 | |
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42 anticipation | |
n.预期,预料,期望 | |
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43 eligible | |
adj.有条件被选中的;(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的 | |
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44 embarkation | |
n. 乘船, 搭机, 开船 | |
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45 chapel | |
n.小教堂,殡仪馆 | |
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46 marine | |
adj.海的;海生的;航海的;海事的;n.水兵 | |
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47 inquiry | |
n.打听,询问,调查,查问 | |
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48 conjecture | |
n./v.推测,猜测 | |
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49 metropolis | |
n.首府;大城市 | |
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50 influx | |
n.流入,注入 | |
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51 embarked | |
乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 ); 装载; 从事 | |
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52 locker | |
n.更衣箱,储物柜,冷藏室,上锁的人 | |
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53 sufficiently | |
adv.足够地,充分地 | |
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54 situated | |
adj.坐落在...的,处于某种境地的 | |
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55 contemplate | |
vt.盘算,计议;周密考虑;注视,凝视 | |
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56 astonishment | |
n.惊奇,惊异 | |
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57 mischiefs | |
损害( mischief的名词复数 ); 危害; 胡闹; 调皮捣蛋的人 | |
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58 accrue | |
v.(利息等)增大,增多 | |
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59 congregated | |
(使)集合,聚集( congregate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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60 exhausted | |
adj.极其疲惫的,精疲力尽的 | |
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61 bustle | |
v.喧扰地忙乱,匆忙,奔忙;n.忙碌;喧闹 | |
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62 descend | |
vt./vi.传下来,下来,下降 | |
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63 salute | |
vi.行礼,致意,问候,放礼炮;vt.向…致意,迎接,赞扬;n.招呼,敬礼,礼炮 | |
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64 hoisted | |
把…吊起,升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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65 cannon | |
n.大炮,火炮;飞机上的机关炮 | |
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66 demonstration | |
n.表明,示范,论证,示威 | |
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67 expressive | |
adj.表现的,表达…的,富于表情的 | |
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68 cleaving | |
v.劈开,剁开,割开( cleave的现在分词 ) | |
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69 bind | |
vt.捆,包扎;装订;约束;使凝固;vi.变硬 | |
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70 joyous | |
adj.充满快乐的;令人高兴的 | |
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71 enchanting | |
a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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72 buxom | |
adj.(妇女)丰满的,有健康美的 | |
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73 bliss | |
n.狂喜,福佑,天赐的福 | |
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74 eastward | |
adv.向东;adj.向东的;n.东方,东部 | |
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75 animated | |
adj.生气勃勃的,活跃的,愉快的 | |
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76 devoted | |
adj.忠诚的,忠实的,热心的,献身于...的 | |
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77 inspection | |
n.检查,审查,检阅 | |
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