‘72 THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER.

 

 

 

 

 

gallant chargers. The king received them on the threshold
of the palace, in the most courteous manner possible; then,
having conducted them to the banqueting room, he took his
seat at the head of the table in his quality of sovereignhood,
ae and having the crown upon his
head and the sceptre in his
hand. The guests all placed
themselves at table according to
their rank, as crowned kings,
royal princes, hereditary dukes,
or heirs apparent.
The board was covered with
& dainties, and everything went
well during the soup and the
first course. But when the
polonies were placed on the
table, the king seemed to be agitated ;
17 when the sausages
<_were served up, he
<= grew very aoe and
S when the black pud-
S dings were brought
ws in, he raised his
y >, .
"& ~ eyes to heaven, sighs