We cannot give the details of the various ceremonies of
congratulation at Windsor, but undoubtedly the serenade in the Grand Quadrangle of the Castle by the Windsor and Eton Madrigal and Choral Societies and the Eton and Windsor choirs, numbering two hundred and sixty-eight voices, was the most beautiful and impressive. The National Anthem was first sung, and then the Jubilee hymn composed by the late Bishop of Wakefield. To this, however, a verse had been added by Mr. A. C. Benson, the Eton Master, which is worth quoting for its graceful and happy note:— " 0 Loving Heart, through fourscore years
Of Royal self-surrender, Through gracious toil, through faithful tears, Most sorrowful, most tender.
In loving hope, in steadfast might Unnumbered hearts enfold her, On to the home of life and light, God guard her, God uphold her 1"
Those who know the extreme difficulty of writing verses to be sung at great state occasions will not fail to congratulate Mr. Benson on his success. Simplicity of thought, language, and metre is essential, but such simplicity is hard to achieve. Two madrigals were also given, the words being written by Mr. Myers and Mr. Warren, the President of Magdalen College, Oxford. There is a very pretty Elizabethan air about Mr. Warren's verses, but they will appeal rather to the scholar than to the man in the street.
