NOT A TYRANT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XXI, 21 November 1896, Page 95

NOT A TYRANT.

It is truly annoying, to a plain every-day citizen, to have his indisputable rights infringed upon by a great personage. It is easy to understand the state of mind of the hungry traveller confronted by pomp and power, as is related in this true story ;

Tired and hungry, a traveller whom we may call Mr Smith entered a village inti and ordered a roast chicken. He sat down by the fire and took great comfort in watching the fowl roasting on the spit aud in thinking how fine the flavour would be. It was nearly done, when a strange-looking individual entered the kitchen. His costume w r as eccentric, but it was undoubtedly that of a great personage.

To the innkeeper he said with an impatient, and as it seemed to hungry Mr Smith, an insufferably haughty air, ’ Well. William, will that chicken be roasted soon ?’ ’Sir,’ cried Mr Smith sternly, 1 that chicken is mine. I ordered it before vou.’

‘ What is that to me ?’ said the personage harshly. ‘What is that to you !’ cried Mr Smith, faint with hunger and just indignation. Then the intruder spoke again and more gently. He said, * You see, sir, I want the turn-spit chain to complete my costume. lam going to represent the Black Prince in an entertainment at the Town Hall this evening.’