The dinner-hour was two o’clock, and the company generally dispersed at four, or a little after, so that between that and the Ave Maria, or close of day, there was time for those, who did not go home to sleep, to visit anything they wished to see.—_MS. Note by Miss Knight._
“Do me the favour to place yourself here, Signor Ambassador.”
Literally, “a vacant seat,” but a term applied to the ceremonies on the death of a pope.
“In fiocchi” is equivalent to our phrase “in gala costume.” It was derived from the tassels with which the horses were ornamented in state processions. Hence, probably, the vulgar phrase “in full fig,” and “figged out.”
“What is Rome about?” “Works of mercy. She clothes the naked, and enriches the honest.”
“The Eagle has gone to Germany, the Lilies to France, the Stars have returned to the sky, and nothing remains but the Wind.”
“Your eminence, I remember, was nuncio at Brussels, and stood well, but wished for something more, and was made nuncio at Naples; stood better, but wished for something more, and was made cardinal; stood excellently well, but wished for something more, and was made secretary-of-state. I see that you stand marvellously well now, but who knows if you will not again wish for something more?”
General Kinsky, who generally accompanied Joseph II. on his travels, was sent for the night before his Majesty set out for Italy, but could not be found. The next morning he waited as usual upon the emperor, who told him he was going to make a tour. He then walked down stairs, and desired the general to get into the carriage that was standing at the door. “Where is your Majesty going?” asked the general. “To Italy,” replied the emperor. “But I have nothing ready.” “It does not signify: a few shirts can be got anywhere.”—_Miss Knight’s Journal._
The Princess Croce was of a lively disposition. Being at St. Peter’s on Good Friday, when the people were going up to kiss the relic of the Cross, she said to the gentlemen who were with her, but loud enough to be heard by the whole congregation, “This is _my_ fête, so you ought to kiss me.”—_Miss Knight’s Journal._
An English lady remarked of Marchesi’s singing: “Cela est fort joli, mais il ne va pas au cœur.” To which the emperor dryly replied: “Ces choses doivent aller prémièrement à la tête, et ensuite au cœur,” and turned on his heel and moved away.—_Miss Knight’s Journal._