The Condescension of a New King.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 368, 15 May 1889, Page 5

The Condescension of a New King.

In the year 1830 an Englishman made Ms way into the courtyard of the Palais Royal, where deputations from all parts of France assembled to pay their respects to the new King (Louis Philippe). Turning to one of the crowd he asked it the King had already shown himself. ' Certainly, was the reply ; 'he has only ju3t retired.' 1 Ah, I am very sorry ; I came to Paris on purpose to see him.' ' Tf you are anxious about it,' said a bystander, * I will show him to you.' Whereupon he shouted with all his might, ' Vive Louis Philippe ! Vive la Charto !' and all thocrovrd joined in the cry. Soon afterwards the door leading to the balcony opened, the King stepped out, made a bow, and disappeared. 'I am delighted 3' exclaimed the Englishman. ' But t have been told that he could be seen waving the bri-cploured flag surrounded by his family ?' 1 That is easy enough,' the man replied ; 1 if you will give me five francs- you shall enjoj the spectacle.' The Englishman give the money and the man struck up a popular song in praise of the three-coloured banner of France. Soon thousands of voices took up th'e'strainTand they went on sfhging until the King appeared on the balcony accompanied- by his children and waving the tri-colour. When the noise had somewhat subsided the obliging man in the crowd whispered in the stranger's ear : 1 Would you now like to hear hjm sing ? That is rather more difficult, and you s will have to pay ten francs for the treat.' 4 All right !' was the reply. And now the man, together with the whole otmipany, began to vociferate, ' Vive le Roi ! Vive la Charte, La Marseillaise !' until Louis Philippe again showed himself on the balcony, and joined in singing the popular air. The Englishman was in raptures. But when his showman said — 4 Give me a hundred francs and you will see him dance !' he thought he had seen and J heard enough, andwalked away. — • Histoire j Con bern pornine. ' '