Whitelocke was instructed by the master of the ceremonies, that by the custom of this country the bridegroom takes place of the King, and the bride of the Queen, during the solemnities of the wedding; accordingly Whitelocke gave the right hand to the bridegroom.

After a little discourse they took their coaches;—­first the gentlemen, then the Lords, then the Senators, then the Ricks-Admiral and Senator Bundt, who, being next of kin, was to give the bride in marriage; after Bundt went Whitelocke, and after him the bridegroom, who had precedence in the Queen’s coach, which went last, and Whitelocke next before it, and the other coaches in their order; the bridegroom’s coach last of all, as the best place.  The like order they observed in their going in the castle.  At the head of the stairs the master of the ceremonies met them, and brought them to the presence-chamber, where the Queen was with the bride and a great company of gallant ladies.  The bridegroom kissed her Majesty’s hand, and then the bride’s hand; the rest of the company did the like.  Between the Queen and Whitelocke passed a little discourse.

Whitelocke. Madam, I give you humble thanks for your invitation of me to these solemnities.

Queen. It is an honour to us that such an Ambassador will be present at our ceremonies.

Wh. I likewise return my most humble thanks to your Majesty for your many favours, and the noble presents you have been pleased to bestow on me and on my company.

Qu. Sir, you mock me; I am troubled I could not do according to that respect which I bear you.  This is only a custom of our country to persons of your condition, and I hope you will take it in good part.

Wh. It is more suitable to your Majesty’s bounty than to anything I can call desert in me, who have a most grateful sense and acceptance of your Majesty’s favours.

[SN:  Ceremony of the marriage.]

The bride and bridegroom were both clothed in white tabby, his suit laced with a very broad gold and silver lace.  The bride had on her head a coronet set full of diamonds, with a diamond collar about her neck and shoulders, a diamond girdle of the same fashion, and a rich diamond jewel at her breast, which were all of them of great value, and by some reported to be the Queen’s jewels, lent by her to the bride for that time.

They went all to the great hall; first the noblemen, then the senators, then the bridegroom between Bundt and Whitelocke, then the bride between two Graves, then the Queen and her Guards.  Then the Queen presently took her chair of state; at her right-hand at a little distance sat the bride against her; at the Queen’s left-hand sat the bridegroom, next to him Whitelocke, and then Bundt.  After they were all sat, Bundt rose up and went towards the Queen, and spake in Swedish with a loud voice to this effect, as it was interpreted to Whitelocke:—­That Baron Horne, a gentleman there present, of an ancient