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.



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