King Edward sate, not on his throne, but on a chair of state, in the presence-chamber of his palace of Westminster.

His diadem, with the three zimmes shaped into a triple trefoil [75] on his brow, his sceptre in his right hand.

His royal robe, tight to the throat, with a broad band of gold, flowed to his feet; and at the fold gathered round the left knee, where now the kings of England wear the badge of St.George, was embroidered a simple cross [76].

In that chamber met the thegns and proceres of his realm; but not they alone.

No national Witan there assembled, but a council of war, composed at least one third part of Normans--counts, knights, prelates, and abbots of high degree.
And King Edward looked a king! The habitual lethargic meekness had vanished from his face, and the large crown threw a shadow, like a frown, over his brow.