A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II.
John Locke · en
After a little discourse they took their coaches;--first the gentlemen,
then the Lords, then the Senators, then the Ricks-Admiral and Senator
Bundt, who, being next of kin, was to give the bride in marriage; after
Bundt went Whitelocke, and after him the bridegroom, who had precedence
in the Queen's coach, which went last, and Whitelocke next before it, and
the other coaches in their order; the bridegroom's coach last of all, as
the best place. The like order they observed in their going in the
castle. At the head of the stairs the master of the ceremonies met them,
and brought them to the presence-chamber, where the Queen was with the
bride and a great company of gallant ladies. The bridegroom kissed her
Majesty's hand, and then the bride's hand; the rest of the company did
the like. Between the Queen and Whitelocke passed a little discourse.
_Whitelocke._ Madam, I give you humble thanks for your invitation of me
to these solemnities.
_Queen._ It is an honour to us that such an Ambassador will be present at
our ceremonies.
_Wh._ I likewise return my most humble thanks to your Majesty for your
many favours, and the noble presents you have been pleased to bestow on
me and on my company.
_Qu._ Sir, you mock me; I am troubled I could not do according to that
respect which I bear you. This is only a custom of our country to persons
of your condition, and I hope you will take it in good part.
_Wh._ It is more suitable to your Majesty's bounty than to anything I can
call desert in me, who have a most grateful sense and acceptance of your
Majesty's favours.
[SN: Ceremony of the marriage.]
The bride and bridegroom were both clothed in white tabby, his suit laced
with a very broad gold and silver lace. The bride had on her head a
coronet set full of diamonds, with a diamond collar about her neck and
shoulders, a diamond girdle of the same fashion, and a rich diamond jewel
at her breast, which were all of them of great value, and by some
reported to be the Queen's jewels, lent by her to the bride for that
time.