Year: 1874

Adam. Of Bremen, and Sir waiter soost's "Ivan.
hoe" "Macbeth" has been translated into Ice
landic, and he was well acquainted with it, and
since he wanted books to vile away tho tedum OF
the long winter nights We made hun up quite
little library.


asked him ana many others how they liked the
new constitution. They were all little reserved
but IL was not what they wanted. The home gov
ernment had reserved to itself too many powers
and privileges. But as for the King personally
there was but one opinion. He was so free and
easy, so approachable, 80 unpretending, tnat they
really loved him; and indeed His Majesty has no
more loyal subjects than the Icelanders. They have
no wish or desire that the bond OF union between
their island and Denmark should be ever broken.
The prestige OF the union Is precious to them only
they do not liEe TO 90 neeced as they have
been, and every dollar that 1t Is possible to
get out OF them taken for taxes. But,
for all that, the tone OF feeling was good,
and everybody was expecting great things In
the future. Their simplicity with respect to roy.
atty was very amusing. have seen the King
standing among group Of them, every one ask
ing questions and every ono standing with his
hands in his pockets and his hat on his head
simply staring In the Kings face with dropping
jaw and vacant wonder.


FEAST ON DESERT FLAX.


But to come to the breakfast. The tent was
about ninety feet long and was wide enough for
two tables. In the centre, WAS the Kings table,
facing an open space, around which, all facing to-
ward the centre, were seated the members OF his
suite and invited guests About sixty persons sat
down to table, including representatives Of the
press from almost all parts OF the world. Almost
everything had Of course been carried there on
the little ponies from Reiklavtk, through the
forty miles OF rough bride paths, but there
was nothing wanting, not even cham
pagne The lakes and streams furnished some
excellent salmon and the heaths some nne plover;
but otherwise it was such breakfast as might be
served anywhere. large kitchen was extempor.
lied on the side Of the Almana gja, and when the
breakfast was over she people were bounttfully
served.


sat almost facing the King and as I watched
him could see that he enjoyed everything i'm
mensely. 1t was quite relief to him to do state
business in such an informal way. He always led
the cheering, and not as with US simply hip, hip.
hurra three times, and tiger, but three times
three, without any chip" at all, and he did not
snare his voice. 1t would be untnteresting
to reclte the different toasts and the re-
sponses thereto. They were ALL OF course,
carefully arranged. To Mi. Magnusson, principal
master Of ceremonies, fell the duty Of toasttng
the royal dynasty. 1t was very happily done, and
not only as concerns the words, but the hearty re-
sponse from every one present and the crowd out
side the tent 1t was touching tribute to family
whorn every one delights to honor. The King was
evidently moved, and in the most gracious manner
responded for himself his Queen, the Crown
Prince, the Princess OF Wales and his other chill
dren, who seem to have been specially born to be
made kings and queens, and very good material
for that purpose they have proved to be.


The breakfast broke up at one O'Clock BY this
time the festivities, which were growing very lively
throughout the entire camp. were somewhat
checked by shower OF rain, which had been threat
ening since the morning. On coming from the
tent the King was once more heartily
greeted, and this was greeting Of farewell, Tor
the horses were ready. and he set out Immediately
for Reikiavik. Seeing him start the people rushed
up the steep, rugged slope OF the Almana aja, and
as he passed by


CHOIR OF SEVERAL HUNDRED VOICES


sung song OF farewell. stood In the fall below,
and shall not soon forget the ringing sound OF
those voices as they came echoing back from the
great lava wall OF the gja- 1t was strange. wild
picture, this line Of men standing out in relief
against the immense rocky preciplce, minglinR
their voices with the sound Of the falling river,


joining them in the midst Of greeting to their King,
who was climbing through the dinlcut and tor
tuous path at their feet