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In the palace of the French ambassador at Rome, Cardinal Bernis, there

was an unusually busy movement to-day From the kitchen-boys to the

major-domo, all were in a most lively , while taking his chocolate, the cardinal had

sent for his major-domo, and, quite contrary to the usual joviality

of his nor

Brunelli, I to-day intrust you with a very i as splendid as possible the grand festival we are

three days hence to give in honor of the Archduke Ferdinand No pains

; the most luxurious richness,

the ant splendor must be

exhibited For this entertainment must excite the attention not only of

Rome, but of all Europe; it must become the subject of conversation at

all the courts, and, above all, it must cause the despair of all present

a I have very important diplomatic reasons

for this All Europe shall see how devoted France is to the e subsists between the two courts

Therefore, Signor Brunelli, strain your inventive head, that it uished and pre-eminent,

for this must be an entertainment never before equalled That is what

I expect, what I deive me pleasure to reward your zeal by a present of a hundred ducats"

Thus with sole his

chocolate; and Signor Brunelli had pledged himself by a solemn oath

punctually to fulfil his master's commands, and to astonish Rome with

an entertainment such as had never been recorded in the annals of