Apropos of the King’s (Edward VII) visit to Biarritz, an
incident is reported of a recent visit when his Majesty
witnessed the arrival of cross-country competitors at Villa
Machelon. Now, this villa belongs to a worthy and prosperous
Biarritz butcher, who had been requested by the committee to
place it at the King’s disposal. The butcher’s bosom friends
held the view that it was absolutely indispensable that the
master should do the honors of his villa to the King of England,
his guest. So the butcher fetched out his Sunday suit, arranged
his braces outside his knitted waistcoat which he invariably
wears, stuck his hat over his ears, and, freely perspiring under
the blazing sun, awaited his august visitor.
King Edward arrived and got down from his motor car. With fine
scorn for the conventions, the butcher boldly walked up to his
Majesty, tapped him on the shoulder and said in a drawling voice:
“Come in; don’t stop in the sun; go up to the salon.”
A friendly shove accompanied these words. The King grasped the
situation at a glance, smiled and obeyed, leaving the butcher to
chew proudly his penny havana on the doorstep. He had done the
honors of his home, had seen and spoken to his guest, the King.
(1727)
=Kingdom of God Composite=--See MOSAIC OF THE KINGDOM.
=Kingdom of God Within=--See LOYALTY.