§ Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord High Chancellor (in pursuance of Her Majesty's commands), as followeth:—
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "I am happy to be able to release you from the exceptional duties which have been imposed upon you by the exigencies of the public service.
§ "I congratulate you on the brilliant qualities which have been displayed by the brave regiments upon whom the task of repelling the invasion of My South African Colonies has been laid. In doing so, I cannot but express My profound sorrow that so many gallant officers and soldiers should have fallen in the performance of their duty."
§ "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
§ "I acknowledge with gratitude the liberal provision which you have made to defray the expenses of military operations in South Africa."
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "I trust the Divine blessing may rest upon your efforts and those of My gallant Army to restore peace and good government to that portion of My Empire, and to vindicate the honour of this country."
§ Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
§ After which the Lord Chancellor said:
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to her commands, prorogue this Parliament to Monday the fifteenth day of January next, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Monday the fifteenth day of January next."