THE DAILY HABITS OF VICTOR EMMANUEL.
(From the Pall Afall Gazette.) A gentleman who signs himself " Ferruccio" has seen fit to supply the French public with some details concerning the daily life of the King of Italy. It would appear that his Majesty is an early riser, generally getting up at five o'clock in the morning, when he takes a cup of black coffee and a stroll in the garden. At eight on Thursdays and Sundays the King presides over the Council of Ministers—the Council usually lasting an hour. Afterwards Victor Emmanuel grants the audiences he may have promised. At twelve one is glad to learn that his Majesty breakfasts, though but lightly—" his only serious repast" being supper. At state banquets it is well known that the King never touches a mouthful, but sits immovable with his two hands on the hilt of his sword, talking to his neighbor, who is thus condemned to lose bis own dinner as well; but the charm of his Majesty's conversation and the exquisite urbanity of his manner are held to be ample compensation for so slight an inconvenience.
"Victor Emmanuel has gradually accustomed himself to pass the greater part of the winter in Bome ; but he seldom occupies the Quirinal. According to Signor " Ferruccio," he had not been long in that palace before he discovered a trap-door in his bedroom. It communicated with a vast gallery, in which the King and his attendants walked for twenty minutes without finding an outlet. It seemed, however, to lead towards the Castle of St. Angelo. Hia Majesty declined to investigate the matter, and ordered the trap-door to be bricked up. Soon afterwards he discovered a secret door in the wall, which communicated with a narrow staircase leading up to the roof. It too was bricked up, but since this second discovery we are informed that whenever his Majesty sleeps at the Quirinal two huge black dogs also sleep at the foot of the royal bed. These faithful servitors have taken to heart Mr. Carlyle's admonitions against " vocality," and have learned that silence is the eternal duty of dogs. They obey no one but the King, never bark, and would strangle, without any parleying, the first person who entered the room.
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4916, 23 December 1876, Page 2 (Supplement)
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375THE DAILY HABITS OF VICTOR EMMANUEL. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4916, 23 December 1876, Page 2 (Supplement)
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