Smyrna times., 1857-05-13
bOite S ketebes
uARVELoUs CoNJURER.

The Russians have long exhibitsda a remark
able taste for juggling, and al that smacks of
the marvellous. Conjurers, professors and. ma
lural magic, vRn.riloquists, and the entire race
OF mount ebanks, who in France and England
astonish the gaping crowds at races and coun-
try fairs, even find ready welcome and liberal
encouragement among the higher classes in the
Russian cities. About the beginning of the
present ccniu y, species Of CagliO>tro, or ra-
ther superior kind of Wizard of the North,
made his appearance at st. Petersburg, and as
ionshed The natives by his marvellous perform
ances. Ills hame was Plrnetti, aud his fame is
yet retained IN the memory of those who wit
messed his unrivalled talents.
The Car Alexander having heard Pirnetti
much spoken of. was desirous of seeing him.
and one day it was announced to the cOnjurer
that he would have the honor Of giving re-
presentation of his magical powers at court
the hour fixed tor him to make his appearance
heing seven o'clock. A bril- liant aud numerous
q, assembly Of ladies' and courtiers, presided over
by the Car, had met, but the conjuror was alb
sent. Surprised aud displeased, the Gar pull
ed out his watch, which indicated five minutes
after seven. Pirnetti had not only failed in be-
ing in waiting, but he had caused the court to
wait, and Alexander was not more patient than
LOUIS XIV. quarter of an hour passed, half
an hour, aud no Pernitti! Messengers who
had been sent in search of him, returned un-
successful. The anger of the Car, with diff
Guilty restrained, displayed itself in threatening
exclamai IONS. AT leugth, after the lapse Of an
hour the door of the saloon opened, and the
gentleman of the chamber announced Pirnetti,
who presented himself with calm front and
the serenity Of one who had nothing to reproach
himself with. The Gar, however. was great
ly disples ssd but Pernetti assumed an air oi
aStonishment, aud replied with the greatest
cOOlness, Did not your majesty command my
presence at seven o'clock precisely!"
"Iust sou exclaimed the Gear at the hight
of evaporation. ....l1.t
"Well, them" said Pirnetti, " let your ma.
jesty deign to look at your watch, aud you will
perceive that am exact, and that it is just
O'clock"
The Gar, pulling out his watch violently, ia
order 10 confoune what he considered piece o.
downright insolence, was completely amazed
The watch marked seven o'clock! In turn al
the courtiers drew out their watches, which
were found as usual exactly regulated by tina
of their sovereign. Seven o'clock indicated
with common accord all the watches an(
clocks Of the palace. The art of the magician
was at once manifest in this strange retrogrss
sion in tie march OF time. To anger succeed
ed aston lshmeat and admiration. Perceivine
that the Gar smiled, Pirnetti thus addressed
him: Your majesty will pardon me- In wa
by the performance Of this trick that was de
sirous Of making my FIRST appearance befor
you. But / know how precious truth ia a
court il is at least necessary that ysdr watcI
should tell it to you. sire. If you consult
now, yoa win End that it marks the real time
The Gar once more drew forth his watch
il pointed to . few minutes past eight--th
same reatfcation bad taken place in all th
watches'of those present, and in the clocks
the palace This exploit was followed by oil
ers equally amusing and surprising. AT th
close Of the performances, the Car, after ha'
ing -eomplimelated PIrnetti, brought back to n
remembrance that, in the course of the ever
ing'a aInusements. he he'd declared that sue
was the power OF bis art that he could pen,
trate cverywiege. 9aaissas q aaill iaa q
.slfoN - IaBis lss .gaoosg'