When Charles Gustavus, King of Sweden, was besieging Prague, a boor, of
a most extraordinary visage, desired admittance to his tent; and being
allowed to enter, he offered, by way of amusement, to devour a large
hog in his presence. The old general Konigsmark, who stood by the king's
side, notwithstanding his bravery, had not got rid of the prejudices of
his childhood, and hinted to his royal master, that the peasant ought to
be burnt as a sorcerer. "Sir," said the fellow, irritated at the remark,
"if your majesty will but make that old gentleman take off his sword and
spurs, I will eat him before I begin the pig." General Konigsmark, who
had, at the head of a body of Swedes, performed wonders against
the Austrians, could not stand this proposal, especially as it was
accompanied by a most hideous expansion of the jaws and mouth. Without
uttering a word, the veteran turned pale and suddenly ran out of the
tent, and did not think himself safe till he arrived at his quarters,
where he remained above twenty-four hours, locked securely, before he
got rid of the panic which had so strongly seized him.
[Illustration: 018]
[Illustration: 020]