§ And afterwards His Majesty's most gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord Chancellor (in pursuance of His Majesty's Command) as followeth:—
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "I address you in circumstances that call for action rather than for speech.
§ "After every endeavour had been made by My Government to preserve the peace of the world, I was compelled, in the assertion of treaty obligations deliberately set at nought, and for the protection of the public law of Europe and the vital interests of My Empire, to go to war.
744§ "My Navy and Army have, with unceasing vigilance, courage, and skill, sustained, in association with gallant and faithful allies, a just and righteous cause.
§ "From every part of My Empire there has been a spontaneous and enthusiastic rally to our common flag.
§ "Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
§ "I thank you for the liberality with which you have met a great emergency.
§ "My Lords and Gentlemen,
§ "We are fighting for a worthy purpose, and we shall not lay down our arms until that purpose has been fully achieved.
§ "I rely with confidence upon the loyal and united efforts of all My subjects, and I pray that Almighty God may give us His blessing."
§ Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
§ After which the LORD CHANCELLOR said:
§ MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,—By virtue of His Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in His Majesty's Name and in obedience to His Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday the Twenty-seventh day of October One thousand nine hundred and fourteen, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday the Twenty-seventh day of October One thousand nine hundred and fourteen.
§ End of the Fourth Session of the Thirtieth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in the Fifth Year of the Reign of His Majesty King George V.