This circular space was lighted by a lamp hung from the ceiling. The

Lord Chancellor was sitting gravely in his large armchair; at his right

was the Clerk of the Crown, and at his left the Clerk of the

Parliaments.

Each of the clerks had before him an open register and an inkhorn.

Behind the Lord Chancellor was his mace-bearer, holding the mace with

the crown on the top, besides the train-bearer and purse-bearer, in

large wigs.

All these officers are still in existence. On a little stand, near the

woolsack, was a sword, with a gold hilt and sheath, and belt of crimson

velvet.

Behind the Clerk of the Crown was an officer holding in his hands the

coronation robe.

Behind the Clerk of the Parliaments another officer held a second robe,

which was that of a peer.

The robes, both of scarlet velvet, lined with white silk, and having

bands of ermine trimmed with gold lace over the shoulders, were similar,

except that the ermine band was wider on the coronation robe.

The third officer, who was the librarian, carried on a square of

790

The Man Who Laughs