Doing Homage
RETURNING from hunting one day, George III. entered affably into
conversation with his wine-merchant, Mr. Carbonel, and rode with him
side by side a considerable way. Lord Walsingham was in attendance; and
watching an opportunity, took Mr. Carbonel aside, and whispered
something to him. What's that? what's that Walsingham has been saying
to you? inquired the good-humored monarch. I find, sir, I have been
unintentionally guilty of disrespect; my lord informed me that I ought
to have taken off my hat whenever I addressed your Majesty; but your
Majesty will please to observe, that whenever I hunt, my hat is fastened
to my wig, and my wig is fastened to my head, and I am on the back of a
very high-spirited horse, so that if anything goes off we must all go
off together! The king laughed heartily at this apology.