Punch (52.1867)

June 29. 1867.] PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

“ "D V Corona Borealis et Corona Australis,” said Mr. Punch, laying down the gorgeously artistic description by his
U friend William Howard Russell, of the Hungarian Coronation, “ I will be crowned. I wonder I never thought
of it before. That’s my modesty again. But I dare say the Universe expects it of me, and is afraid to say so. I
icill be crowned.”

“ Who is worthy to do it ? ” said Mrs. Punch, indignantly.

“ Asked like a dutiful and adoring wife,” said her Lord. “ Take this cheque and buy yourself the biggest
diamond in London.”

“ I have it already,” said Mrs. Punch, blushing. “ I have you.”

“ That is true,” said Mr. Punch. “ Send the cheque to Mrs. Gladstone, for her admirable Convalescent
Hospital, with my best wishes that many may do likewise. Who is worthy ? H’m. Yes, I know who. But I must
consult authorities. What says Mr. Vincent, able editor of Haydn ? ”

“ The first coronation he mentions,” said Mrs. Punch, “ was that of Majorianus, 457.”

“ Who the deuce was Majorianus ? ” said Mr. Punch. “ I know no more of history than Serjeant Gaselee

does of geography.”

“ I think I remember reading about him in my Gibbon,” said Mrs. Punch. “ He was gentle to his subjects,
terrible to his enemies, and he excelled in every virtue, Procopius says,” added the docta conjux.

“ He might have been describing me,” said Mr. Punch.

“ Nay,” said his wife, “ at least I should be more copious than Procopius, with you for a theme.”

“ Best of women,” replied Mr. Punch, “ more authorities. Look into Charles Knight.”

“ I remember what he says,” said Mrs. Punch, modestly. “ The Saxon Sovereigns were crowned at Kingston-
upon-Thames.”

“ Not a bad place. They went over to Richmond afterwards, I suppose, and dined at the Star and Garter.”

“ I think,” said Mrs. Punch, hesitatingly, “ that the Order was instituted rather later.”

“ So much the worse for the Saxon kings. Well ? ”

“ The ceremony of anointing was first used here in 872.”