He heard the Queen speak in a half-dozen different languages, to people of various lands, and he was smitten with amazement.
But as Elizabeth came slowly down the hall, her white silk gown fronted with great pearls flashing back the light, a marchioness bearing the train, the crown on her head glittering as she turned from right to left, her wonderful collar of jewels sparkling on her uncovered bosom, suddenly the mantle of black, silver-shotted silk upon her shoulders became to Lempriere's heated senses a judge's robe, and Elizabeth the august judge of the world.

His eyes blinded again, for it was as if she was bearing down upon him.

Certainly she was looking at him now, scarce heeding the courtiers who fell to their knees on either side as she came on.

The red doublets of the fifty Gentlemen Pensioners--all men of noble families proud to do this humble yet distinguished service--with battle-axes, on either side of her, seemed to Lempriere on the instant like an army with banners threatening him.

From the ante-chapel behind him came the cry of the faithful subjects who, as the gentleman-at-arms fell back from the doorway, had but just caught a glimpse of her Majesty--"Long live Elizabeth!" It seemed to Lempriere that the Gentlemen Pensioners must beat him down as they passed, yet he stood riveted to the spot; and indeed it was true that he was almost in the path of her Majesty.