"You have what I advise;" but pray do not forget that, on this subject above all others, Plunket is entitled, not to _know_, but almost to _direct_ your course.
The Queen put in a formal claim to be crowned with the King, and Mr. Brougham urged it, with all his forensic eloquence and skill, before the Privy Council; but, as will be seen, all the principal precedents were in opposition to his argument:--
"William the Conqueror's Queen was crowned two years after he was crowned.
John's Queen, not crowned with him, but crowned.
Henry III.'s Queen, not with him, but afterwards, alone.
Henry IV.'s Queen, crowned--not with him.
Henry VI.'s Queen, not crowned with him, but alone.
Henry VII.'s Queen, crowned long after him.
Henry VIII.--Some of his Queens crowned, some not.
Charles I.--His Queen not crowned at all.
Charles II.--His Queen not crowned at all.
George II.'s Queen, or George I.'s, I am not sure which, not crowned at all."[65]
[65] Twiss's "Life of Lord Eldon," vol. ii. p. 43.
On the 21st of May a feeble attempt was made in the House of Commons to bring forward the pretensions of the Queen to share in the approaching State ceremonial; but the firm language of Lord Londonderry, and the apathy of the House on the subject, set the matter at rest.
MR. W. H. FREMANTLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
The coronation is fixed (_decidedly so_) by the Government to take place previous to his going to Ireland, and a fortnight after the close of the Session: two days afterwards he starts for Ireland, and embarks at Portsmouth; and on his return from Ireland, he goes to Hanover. This is all arranged at present, and the Ministers have agreed to it. With the exception of the coronation, all the rest may be subject to change; but I am quite sure the coronation is determined on. Prince Leopold was to have started for Germany on Friday, to see his mother; but has put it off, in consequence of this decision, as he could not be back in time.
Canning leaves Paris this day for London. Parliament--that is, the House of Commons--is expected to be up on the 25th; and I think it may. There is no other news.
There are to be two Parliamentary Commissioners--Frankland Lewis and Wallace--for this Irish examination, and three other Commissioners; salary, £1500 (to Parliamentary Commissioners) per annum. I don't think it would be a bad appointment (one of the others) for Tom Fremantle, if I could have a chance of getting it. I suppose their salary is much less.