HARBINGERS OF CHRISTMAS: THE GREETING OF ROYALTY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22114, 18 November 1933, Page 8

HARBINGERS OF CHRISTMAS: THE GREETING OF ROYALTY.

These royal Christmas cards are reproduced by the courtesy of Messrs Raphael Tuck and Sons, Ltd., direct from the original Christmas cards specially produced by them for their Majesties, and for TT.R.ir. the Prince of Wales, who have graciously accorded them permission to reproduce these royal cards for the use of the public.

This chapel, acknowledged to he the finest example of late perpendicular architecture, is of such incomparable beauty, with its wonderful fan vaulting, and delicate tracery of its windows, and its exquisite caxwings and sculptures, that Leland, the Tudor antiquary, called it the miracle of the world.” It was begun by Henry YII in 1503, but was not completed until the following reign.

“ Never was time so sweet as this, When summer, fills the earth with bliss, Fair flowers shed their fragrance round And like bright jewels deck the ground.”

Here we have a glimpse of Raleigh in his study at Durham House, which stood where Adelphi terrace now stands, and is described as “a little turret that looked into and over the Thames.” We see in the picture the fine view of old London Bridge that was obtained from his window. In this room he must have composed many of those writings—both stately prose and charming verse—which are still famous. Here, too, he conversed with some of the choicest spirits of that gallant age; while* as he gazed on the Thames, his ambitious imagination doubtless followed it out to sea, dreaming of adventures, conquests, and riches awaiting him in the 'Golden West.