The sight was splendid; the bank of Peeresses quite beautiful all in their robes, and the Peers on the other side.

My young train-bearers were always near me, and helped me whenever I wanted anything.

The Bishop of Durham[21] stood on the side near me, but he was, as Lord Melbourne told me, remarkably _maladroit_, and never could tell me what was to take place.

At the beginning of the Anthem, where I've made a mark, I retired to St Edward's Chapel, a dark small place immediately behind the Altar, with my ladies and train-bearers--took off my crimson robe and kirtle, and put on the supertunica of cloth of gold, also in the shape of a kirtle, which was put over a singular sort of little gown of linen trimmed with lace; I also took off my circlet of diamonds and then proceeded bareheaded into the Abbey; I was then seated upon St Edward's chair, where the Dalmatic robe was clasped round me by the Lord Great Chamberlain.

Then followed all the various things; and last (of those things) the Crown being placed on my head--which was, I must own, a most beautiful impressive moment; _all_ the Peers and Peeresses put on their coronets at the same instant.
[Footnote 21: Edward Maltby, 1770-1859.] My excellent Lord Melbourne, who stood very close to me throughout the whole ceremony, was _completely_ overcome at this moment, and very much affected; he gave me _such_ a kind, and I may say _fatherly_ look.