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when she got up to lay the sword on the altar, she was calm and composed. Dressed in
her white shift and gold tunic, bare-headed and looking very young, she might have
been a vestal virgin. There was an element of sacrifice in the air, inherent in the ancient
role of kingship which was emphasized by the elaborate ceremonial, the red and gold
robes, the sparkle of jewels, the measured movements of the old men performing the
ancient ritual. For Elizabeth personally, it was the dedication of a life to an idea; it was
one for which she had been prepared since the day in May sixteen years before when
she had seen her father go through the same experience of consecration and dedication.
For her, as for him, the ceremony had a deep spiritual significance.