NAPOLEON’S MAGIC TABLE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1610, 7 January 1903, Page 43 (Supplement)

NAPOLEON’S MAGIC TABLE

Napoleon’s magic table is one of tne greatest curiosities from the time of the grand Emperor, who had it in his study at the castle of St. Cloud. After the death of Napoleon it was bought m London by Baron Rehausen, Swedish Ambassador to the Court of St. James at that time. It is now owned througn inheritance by one of the foremost families of the Swedish nobility. Inside the drawer of the table is pasted an old

«lip on which is printed a description, which in modernised English reads as follows: “The Emperor Napoleon was highly delighted with this extraordinary work of art. It formed the surface of one of the tables in his study, and was always shown to all foreigners of distinction who visited the Imperial Court. It is a painting whose resemblance to what it represents is the most illusive ever produced by the genius of

man. One may look at this strange production of art in different lights—the pieces of money, the fragment of broken glass, the water and cards retain an equally illusive appearance as the observer moves round the table—but it requires a very minute examination to discover all the truly magical wonders it possesses. — ‘Strand.”

“Six months ago pounds of rice were rattling on their bridal carriage.” “Where are they to-day?” “Living in a garret, and eating oatmeal.” Wife —“Wake up! There are thieves in the house!” Husband—“Go down and show them your new bonnet and they won’t waste any time looking for money here.”