| Citation |
PL.778.156
23 May 1778:21, 22, 23 (155)
On Monday last the army, anxious to give Sir William Howe
the most public and splendid testimony of the high esteem
they entertain of him as a General, and of the affection and
attachment which his popular conduct had secured to him from
all ranks, both officers and men, prepared a magnificent
entertainment to grace his departure. It consisted of a
variety of parts, and was therefore called the Mischianza.
The admission-tickets were decorated. . . [5 lines] The
fete began at four o'clock in the afternoon, by a grand
procession on the river . . . [4 lines] Three flat boats,
with bands of music in each, led the procession.
. . . [5 lines] Here they lay on their oars while the music
played "God save the King." . . . [39 lines] Between these
colours the knights with their attendants ranged themselves,
and the company preceded by all the music of the army,
advanced in procession. . . [3 lines] On the pediment was
Fame with her trumpet. . . [7 lines]
The company were entertained with tea and refreshments,
and then danced till half after ten o'clock . . . [2 lines]
Towards the conclusion the triumphal arch next the house
appeared magnificently illuminated, and Fame blew from her
trumpet in letters of light, "Thy laurels shall never fade."
. . . [4 lines] The Herald of the blended rose, in his robes
of ceremony, announced by sound of trumpet the King's
health; the Queen and Royal Family; the Army and Navy, and
their respective Commanders; the Ladies. A salute of music
and three cheers graced each of these toasts. After supper
the company returned to the ball room, and at four o'clock
they all withdrew.
. . . [14 lines]
Here then the laurel--here the palm we yield,
And all the glories of the tilted field:
Here, Whites and Blacks, with blended homage, pay
To each device the honours of the day.
. . . [42 more lines.
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