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James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.

June 26

The Vigil

By London Punch

  • June 26, 1902, was the day set for the Coronation of Edward VII. of England, whose illness made necessary the postponement of the ceremony.


  • SILENT it stands, the shrine within whose walls

    He was to give his kingly gage today;

    And silent on our hearts the sorrow falls

    Which only faith may stay.

    Not for ourselves we mourn the moment’s loss,

    Our pleasure darkened and our sun gone down;

    All thoughts are turned to where he bears the cross

    Who should have worn the crown.

    So keep we vigil; so a Nation’s prayer

    Humbly before the Eternal Heart we bring,

    That of His grace and pity God may spare

    And give us back our King!