Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/104

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CHAPEL OF HOLYROOD. 79

unto her, is, by a barbarous and tyrannical cruelty, cut off. And by one and the same infamous judgment, both Mary of Scotland is punished with death, and all kings now living are made liable to the same. A strange and uncouth kind of grave is this, wherein the living are included with the dead ; for we know that with her ashes the majesty of all kings and princes lie here depressed and violated. But because this regal secret doth admonish all kings of their duty, Traveller ! I shall say no more."

In the modern portion of Holyrood is a pleasant suite of apartments, which were occupied by Charles the Tenth of France, when he found refuge in Scotland from his misfortunes at home. They have ornamented ceilings, and are hung with tapestry.

The Duke of Hamilton, who is keeper of the palace, has apartments there, as has also the Marquis of Breadalbane. Those of the latter are decorated with a large collection of family portraits, among which is a fine one, by Vandyke, of Lady Isabella Rich, holding a lute, on which instrument, we are informed by the poet Waller, she had attained great excellence.

AVe found ourselves attracted to make repeated visits to Ilolyrood, and never on those occasions omitted its roofless chapel, so rich in recollections. It required, however, a strong effort of imagination to array it in the royal splendor with which the nuptials of Queen Mary were there solemnized ; and, seventy years afterwards, the coronation of her grandson, Charles the First. The processions, the ringing of bells, the gay tapestry

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