uite an artistic painting of a large
Prussian eagle about to devour a white lily.

The host clapped his hands with delight. "Delicious!" he cried,
laughing. "The Prussian eagle devouring the French lily; this is
charming prophecy, a wonderful satire. You bought these fans in Geneva;
there are Prussians in Geneva also, then."

"Every lady in Geneva has such a fan, and there are no better Prussians
in Berlin than in Geneva."

"I am delighted, truly delighted," cried the Italian, enthusiastically."
The time will come when all the people of Europe will be Prussians and
only princes Teresiani."

"Nevertheless, the people will have to obey their princes," said the
stranger, with a watchful glance; "and if they command it, will war
against the great king."

"Not we, not the Italians," cried the host, violently; "our Doge would
not dare to side with the Teresiani, for he knows very well that would
occasion a revolution in Venice and, perhaps, endanger his own throne.
No, no, signor; our exalted government is too wise not to adopt a
neutral position, while secretly they are as good Prussians as we are."

"But the Lombardians and the Sardinians?" asked the stranger,
expectantly.

"They also are Prussians; even if their king is a Teresiano, as they
say, his people are Prussians like ourselves."

"And the Neapolitans?"

"Well, the Neapolitans," said the host, laughing, "the Neapolitans are,
as you know, not renowned for their bravery; and if they do not love
the great Frederick, they fear him. The Neapolitans are the children
of Italy, knowing only that Naples is a beautiful city, and fearing a
barbarian might come and devour it. In their terror they forget that no
one is thinking of them, and that they are separated by Italy and the
Alps from all warlike people. The king of Naples thinks it possible that
Frederick may one day ascend Vesuvius with his conquering army and take
possession of Naples. Since the king's last victories, Ferdinand
has increased the number of his troops and doubled the guard in his
capital."

The host laughed so heartily at this account, that the stranger was
irresistibly compelled to join him.

"The King of Naples is but a boy nine years old. His ministers are older
than himself, and should know a little more geography, signor. But corpo
di Bacco, here I am talking and talking of politics forgetting entirely
that your excellency is doubtless hungry, and desires a strengthening
meal."

"'Ti