' What did I do? I had the entree, and demanded
it. 'Altesse,' says I, falling on one knee, 'I ate no kraut at
dinner to-day. You remarked it: I saw your Highness remark it.'
"'I did, M. le Comte,' said his Highness, gravely.
"I had almost tears in my eyes; but it was necessary to come to a
resolution, you know. 'Sir,' said I, 'I speak with deep grief to
your Highness, who are my benefactor, my friend, my father; but of
this I am resolved, I WILL NEVER EAT SAUERKRAUT MORE: it don't
agree with me. After being laid up for four weeks by the last dish
of Sauerkraut of which I partook, I may say with confidence--IT
DON'T agree with me. By impairing my health, it impairs my
intellect, and weakens my strength; and both I would keep for your
Highness's service.'
"'Tut, tut!' said his Highness. 'Tut, tut, tut!' Those were his
very words.
"'Give me my sword or my pen,' said I. 'Give me my sword or my pen,
and with these Maximilian de Galgenstein is ready to serve you; but
sure,--sure, a great prince will pity the weak health of a faithful
subject, who does not know how to eat Sauerkraut?' His Highness was
walking about the room: I was still on my knees, and stretched
forward my hand to seize his coat.
Pages:
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233