Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)Ashton, John
History
Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Ashton, John
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century; Regency -- England
Illuminations for Peace -- Ovation to Louis XVIII. -- His
departure for France -- Peace with France -- Cheaper provisions
-- Distinguished foreign guests in London -- Arrival of Emperor
of Russia and King of Prussia -- Movements of the great folk --
Popularity of General Blücher.
Easter Monday fell on the 11th of April, and on that day London was
brilliantly illuminated, very much better than usual; but then lights
and transparencies had only been, hitherto, used for Victories--this
was for PEACE, which was welcomed by all with heartfelt thankfulness.
The Duchess of Oldenburgh, at the Pulteney Hotel, had "THANKS BE TO
GOD" in variegated lamps. The Duke of Northumberland wreathed the
head of his immortal lion with laurels; the statue of King Charles
I. close by, was covered with laurels. Carlton House had its pillars
entwined with lamps, the entablature marked out with them. On the
parapet were six large stars; in the centre were the Arms of France
supported by the figure of Fame with laurels, under which was Louis
XVIII. A pedestal of fire supported two large stars: on the left,
were Russia and Austria; on the right, Prussia and England; whilst
in the centre, was a bit of deliciously bad French--"_Vive_ LES
BOURBONS," all done in silver lamps.
I have but space to mention one more, and that is Ackermann's in the
Strand, which was, if possible, more emblematical than usual. It is
thus described: "A Transparency: The Tyrant Corsican is attacked
by Death under the walls of Paris; the grisly Monarch has placed
his foot upon his breast, and holds in one hand an hour-glass,
which, almost expended, leaves him just time enough to reflect upon
the murders and other atrocities which have attended his wicked
Career. The other hand grasps a massive iron spear, with which he is
supposed to have been dealing out destruction among the armies of
Bonaparte. The fallen Tyrant, in an attitude of terror, supplicates
Death to arrest his fatal purpose. Beneath him are broken eagles,
torn National Flags, &c., and in his hand he grasps the shattered
bloody remains of a sword. On the Walls of Paris are seen Cossacks,
and other Russians, Prussians, Austrians, &c., who are raising
the standard of the Bourbons. This transparency was surmounted by
a brilliant circle of gas-lights, indicative of the union of the
world in the Holy Cause; over this circle was a large white flag
spotted with _fleurs de lys_, hung out in triumphant display over
the tattered, debased, tricoloured banner of the Revolution. On
each side of the principal transparency was a smaller one; the
first representing Bonaparte blowing bubbles, which burst as fast
as created: in the other, he was seen amusing himself with building
houses and Castles of Cards, which, tumbling down as fast as they are
put up, are truly emblematic of the vast achievements of his reign:
a bottle under the table indicative that all his designs have ended
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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