BARRILLI AND THE POPE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue VI, 9 February 1895, Page 128

BARRILLI AND THE POPE.

Barrilli, the singer, was on his way through Lyons at the time Pope Leo XII. was exiled by Napoleon. It was very cold, and he had put on a red cap that came down over his ears. Arrived at the hotel, he asked them what time they served supper. * Monsigneur, at any time you wish,’ said tbe host. *lt shall be served to you in your own room.' * But this will be too expensive for me. I will dine at the table-d’h.6te.' * We know that anyone who is forced to quit his country has often to put up with a great deal, but here we are only too happy to receive you. Do not trouble about expense ’ They brought him an exquisite supper much beyond his means, and he again tried to explain—*l am not what yon think. lam only a singer.’ *We know all about that: exiled, proscribed, it is natural that you should not reveal yourself. Be assured of our discretion’. Barrilli resigned himself and stayed there some days. At his departure, he found the whole household drawn np, begging for his blessing. * You refuse my money, said be, * it would be ingratitude to refuse you my blessing.’ And he gave it them, and drove off quickly. They had take him for the Pope.