St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, Nov 1877-Nov 1878: No 1, Nov 1877Various
General
St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, Nov 1877-Nov 1878: No 1, Nov 1877
Various
Children's literature -- Periodicals; Children's periodicals, American
And now comes the Worshipful Company of Bakers, preceded by their
banner, with its good old motto, "Praise God for all." These are
really very jolly and well-favored looking companions, most of the
members bearing large bouquets of flowers. After them the Vintners'
Company, with the band of the Royal Artillery; ten Commissioners,
each bearing a shield; eight master porters in vintner's dress; the
Bargemaster in full uniform, and the Swan Uppers. These are men who
look after the swans belonging to the corporation of London, which
build their nests along the banks of the Thames, and they mark the
young swans each spring.
The "Uppers" look very well in their dress, consisting of dark cloth
jackets slashed with white, blue and white striped jerseys and white
trousers.
After this company had passed, a grand shout announced the coming of
the elephants. These, as some small boy has observed, are "curious
animals, with two tails--one before and one behind." First came a
number of large ones, with Mr. Sanger, their owner, who was mounted on
a curiously spotted horse. They were gorgeous with oriental trappings
and howdahs. On the foremost one rode a man representing a grand
Indian prince. He had a reddish mustache, wore spectacles, a
magnificent purple and white turban, and showy oriental costume. He
produced a great impression on the crowd. In other howdahs sat one,
two or three splendid Hindoos, whose dress was past description. Then
came several young elephants ridden by boys; one of these was seized
with a desire to lie down, and had to be vigorously roused; but,
on the whole, they behaved in a wonderfully correct and dignified
manner--now and then gracefully swinging round their trunks amongst
the sympathizing crowd, in search of refreshment.
The elephants were escorted by equestrians in state costumes, and
followed by six knights in steel armor, with lances and pennons,
mounted on chargers. One of these "wouldn't go," and had to be dragged
on ignominiously by a policeman. Then the Epping Forest rangers came.
They were picturesquely dressed in green velvet coats, broad-brimmed
hats and long feathers. After these, trumpeters, under-sheriffs in
their state carriages, aldermen, the Recorder, more trumpeters, and
then a most gorgeous coach--with hammer-cloth of red and gold, men in
liveries too splendid to describe, and four fine horses--brings the
late lord mayor. The mounted band of household cavalry follows. These
really look splendid in crimson coats covered with gold embroidery and
velvet caps, riding handsome white horses.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account