DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3462#0097
THE PROCLAMATION 63
they divided into two sections, joining once more
as they reached the dais. Again the trumpets
sounded sharp and clear like a call to arms.
The Herald saluted. Leaning forward, the Vice-
roy commanded him to read the King Emperor's
Proclamation declaring the Coronation of His
Majesty the King Emperor of India.
Absolute silence reigned throughout the entire
audience as the Herald wheeled his charger round
and read in a magnificently clear and resonant
voice, perhaps the finest the world has ever heard,
His Majesty's Proclamation. At the close he
wheeled his horse round once more and saluted
the Viceroy. Another flourish of trumpets was
sounded, and the Royal Standard was unfurled,
floating proudly out upon the breeze. The soldiers
presented arms; the massed bands struck up the
first grand notes of the National Anthem; and
the crowd rose to their feet as one man, while a
thrill of loyal enthusiasm ran like quicksilver round
the arena. Then there was a pause.
That was the supreme moment of the ceremony.
One felt it. It was dignified, impressive, and
quiet, almost saddening, because it was so im-
pressive. There was no frivolous talking, no
cheering. It was simply a dead quiet. The sun
they divided into two sections, joining once more
as they reached the dais. Again the trumpets
sounded sharp and clear like a call to arms.
The Herald saluted. Leaning forward, the Vice-
roy commanded him to read the King Emperor's
Proclamation declaring the Coronation of His
Majesty the King Emperor of India.
Absolute silence reigned throughout the entire
audience as the Herald wheeled his charger round
and read in a magnificently clear and resonant
voice, perhaps the finest the world has ever heard,
His Majesty's Proclamation. At the close he
wheeled his horse round once more and saluted
the Viceroy. Another flourish of trumpets was
sounded, and the Royal Standard was unfurled,
floating proudly out upon the breeze. The soldiers
presented arms; the massed bands struck up the
first grand notes of the National Anthem; and
the crowd rose to their feet as one man, while a
thrill of loyal enthusiasm ran like quicksilver round
the arena. Then there was a pause.
That was the supreme moment of the ceremony.
One felt it. It was dignified, impressive, and
quiet, almost saddening, because it was so im-
pressive. There was no frivolous talking, no
cheering. It was simply a dead quiet. The sun