A NEW VERSION OF AN OLD STORY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3157, 16 May 1883, Page 3

A NEW VERSION OF AN OLD STORY.

As Qneen Elizabeth, attended by Sir Walter Raleigh and a retinue of gilded courtiers, was walking through the streets of London, she came to a particularly muddy spot, which she hesitated to cross. Baleigh was about to throw down his cloak before her, in order that she might cross dryshod, when he reflected that it was of costly velvet, lavishly ornamented with old lace, and would infallibly be spoiled. Accordingly, with great presence ot mind, he whispered loudly to Sir Christopher Hatton that he had always contended, «nd would with bis heart’s blood maintain, that Her Majesty had the smallest feet and neatest ancles in the world, «nd that the calumnious report that she wore elevens was a malignant invention of the Spanish Court. Nor did the ruse fail of its effect, as the Virgin Queen, lifting her royal skirts with almost exaggerated enthusiasm, went

through the puddle with characteristic resolution, and halting on the farther side shook her sceptre under the übse of the Spanish Ambassador, demanding of the astonished diplomat, with a royal oath—“ Are they elevens, you Romish dog P Are they elevens P”