The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 17, No. 492, June 4, 1831

Оглавление

Various. The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 17, No. 492, June 4, 1831

THREE BOROUGHS

MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS

ORIGIN OF THE COBBLER'S ARMS

SINGULAR TENURE

"AS BAD AS PLOUGHING WITH DOGS."

CROESUS.—A DRAMATIC SKETCH

PAUL'S CROSS

ADA

SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

PITCAIRN'S ISLAND

ANECDOTE GALLERY

SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS

THE KING

THE SELECTOR

AND LITERARY NOTICES OF NEW WORKS. MICHAEL SCOTT, THE WIZARD

THE GATHERER

A SHIRT WITHOUT A SEAM

Отрывок из книги

Charles V., in his intervals of relaxation, used to retire to Brussels. He was a prince curious to know the sentiments of his meanest subjects, concerning himself and his administration; he therefore often went out incog. and mixed in such companies and conversations as he thought proper. One night his boot required immediate mending; he was directed to a cobbler not inclined for work, who was in the height of his jollity among his acquaintance. The emperor acquainted him with what he wanted, and offered a handsome remuneration for his trouble.

"What, friend," says the fellow, "do you know no better than to ask any of our craft to work on St. Crispin? Was it Charles the Fifth himself, I'd not do a stitch for him now; but if you'll come in and drink St. Crispin, do, and welcome—we are merry as the emperor can be."

.....

That request was granted; and so moderate was his ambition, that the emperor bid him make another. "If," says the cobbler, "I might have my utmost wish, command that for the future the company of cobblers shall take place of the company of shoemakers."

It was accordingly so ordained by the emperor; and to this day there is to be seen a chapel in Brussels adorned round with a boot and imperial crown, and in all processions the company of cobblers take precedence of the company of shoemakers.

.....