The careful student of History cannot fail to note that
whenever the rottenness and inadequacy of a Government are most
apparent, great 'shows' and Royal ceremonials are always resorted to,
in order to divert the minds of the people from the bitter
consideration of a deficient Exchequer and a diminishing National
Honour. The authorities who organize these State masquerades are wise
in their generation. They know that the working-classes very seldom
have the leisure to think for themselves, and that they often lack the
intelligent ability to foresee the difficulties and dangers menacing
their country's welfare;--but that they are always ready, with the
strangest fatuity, patience, and good-nature, to take their wives and
families to see any new variation of a world's 'Punch and Judy' play,
particularly if there is a savour of Royalty about it, accompanied by a
brass band, well-equipped soldiers, and gilded coaches. Though they
take no part in the pageant, beyond consenting to be hustled and rudely
driven back by the police like intrusive sheep, out of the sacred way
of a Royal progress, they nevertheless have an instinctive (and very
correct) idea that somehow or other it is all part of the 'fun' for
which they have paid their money. There is no more actual reverence or
respect for the positive Person of Royalty in such a parade, than there
is for the Wonderful Performing Pig who takes part in a circus-
procession through a country town.
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