KING EDWARD'S ADVENTURE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 136, 8 June 1907, Page 13

KING EDWARD'S ADVENTURE.

HIS MAJESTT MISTAKEN FOR A BEGGAR. King Edward and Queen Alexandra, who have been visiting Naples, have had an amusing adventure while inspecting some of the more celebrated churches in the locality. At one of these, the Basilica of Santa Chiara, which was founded in 1310 by Robert the Wise, and is noted for its fine specimens of Anagocese art and the monuments of the Angevin dynasty, an amusing incident occurredThe church was closed, as the monks who were entrusted with its keeping were taking their mid-day meal The Royal party knocked at the door, and the sacristan behind it, thinking that tfiey were beggars, resiled : "Go in peace, there is. nothing .-for you." 1 The King was greaUy amused, and laughed heartily. One of the suite again: knocked, explaining that the party wished to see the church, but the sacristan, even more irritated, said: "Don't bother! This is not the time for sight-seeing." Fortunately General Salsa nappeaed to be passing, and recognising their Majesties called upon the sacristan to open the door, which the latter did immediately. The poor monk, on discovering the real situation, could not find words to excuse himself. On learning who their visitors were, all the other monks hastened up, and attended them through the church, pointing ont Its various features and attractions. Including the two columns which are said to have belonged to the temple of Solomon, and which were given by Charles of Anion, and the tomb of Marta Christina of Bourbon whose Christian life and the miracles eo_ nected with it led to her beatification.