Edward's Week

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads. --HAMLET, Act I, Scene 3.

The boyish grin and wispy figure of Edward of Wales are so familiar in London dance halls and saloons (TIME, Feb. 7, 21), that when he motored out to Hastings, Sussex, last week, past fields of primroses all in saffron bloom, Britons wondered if His Royal Highness would not tread a measure with some buxom Sussex wench along a merry primrose path. Soon he contrived to exceed all expectations. . . . Wenches were, of course, not lacking. Hardly a "pub" in Hastings is without its ruddy Sussex barmaid. Had Edward of Wales but stopped in to dash himself against a whiskey and soda, one of these good girls would have obliged. But he, a nonchalant prince, preferred to do his primrose treading openly with half the maids and matrons of the town. . . . They came by thousands, to stand along the streets, flushed and smiling, as Edward and his staff strode along. Several times he smiled or called a chaffing word to some girl who offered her primroses with especial charm. For miles the spectacle continued. A Prince showered with apronfuls, armfuls, basketfuls of fresh plucked Sussex primroses.

In London, earlier in the week, Prince George, youngest son of the King Emperor, entered the booth of a crystal-gazing fortune teller, laid down a crown. . . . "Your father," said the seer, "was a sea captain but he has retired." Prince George nodded encouragement. His father, the King Emperor, did indeed command H. M. S. Melampus in his youth. "Your eldest brother . . . wait, young man . . . you must warn him! I see him in the crystal. . . . It is tomorrow. He rides in a race and I see him fall. . . ." Laughing, Prince George strode from the booth. Later he warned Edward of Wales that if he rode next day he would fall off his horse. . . .

Not daunted, Edward rode, next day, his favorite mount, Lady Boon, in the point-to-point races near Necton, Norfolk.

Almost to the finish Lady Boon led, then swerved suddenly, almost throwing Edward from his saddle. Tenacious, he kept his seat, but lost the race to one Captain Stevenson.