OUTWITTING A TYRANT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 132, 11 April 1879, Page 2

OUTWITTING A TYRANT.

_ It was in the year 1818 that the leading citizens of the chief towns of LombardoVenetian kingdom avowed openly their detestation of Austria, and they awaited only a favorable opportunity to throw off the yoke. At one of the theatres of Venice, on a certain evening, a magnificent bouquet was thrown upon the stage at the feet of a beautiful danseuse. It was a rare piece of workmanship, and' its three colors of red, white, and green were sa arranged that the symbol of Italian Independence could not be mistaken, Tho danseuse picked it up and kissed it repeatedly and pressed it rapturously to her bosom, whilst the vast audience applauded vociferously, On the following morning the actress was summoned before the police authorities, and sharply questioned touching the absurd treatment of the bouquot which had been thrown to to her on the previous evening. She trembling answered that she done only as she always did when such beautiful tributes were given her. " Very well," said the Austrian chief, " hereafter, when a bouquet is thrown to you thus publicly, you will trample upon it with your foot, Do you understand!" She said she understood, and she was suffered to depart. She went to somo'of her friends and told them what had happened. " Ah," said the Antodio Luigi, " and you will trample upon it!"" I must." " Then I will see that you have the right kind. Be brave, pretty, one, and we will win applause again. Wait." That evening, when the favorite danseuse had acquitted herself grandly, a huge bouquet was thrown upon the stage—a broad field of strange flowers, the only colors yellow and black—the Imperial Standard of Austria! There could be no mistaking it. "Bestiacca" (great ugly beaat), said the actress, loud enough to bo heard all over the house; and then she jumped upon the yellow and black symbol, and trampledit heartily. For a time it seemed as if the applause would shatter the building. The police took the hint, and did not, yen-' :ture to interfere with the bouquets of ; the .bold and favorite danseuse. •