The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-08-29
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STORIES FROM THE ITALIAN.

All the Year Round.
THE BISHOPS DINNER.
Since the reign of the Emperor Freder-
ick the Second few Italian lords have been
so rich or so powerful as one known in his
country as the Marquis de la Scala. He
was one of the few men who are all through
life the favorites of fortune, yet who know
how to make good use of their honor and
of their wealth. This nobeman was very
generous in entertaining his friends and
acouaintances, and one day superb fete
was announced to be given by him shortly
at his mansion in Verona. Great prepara-
tions were set on foot, and all tongues
busted themselves in describing the gran
deur of the coming banquet. Suddenly
La Scala changed his mind for some unex-
planned reason, saying the fete would not
take place at all Many strangers had come
to the town in readiness, and, as the mar
ouis did not wish these to 60 away under
the impression that he was mean, he loaded
each one with presents which in value would
far more than make up to them for the ex-
pense of their journeys.
He forgot one person only, man named
Bergamino, and it was rumored that this
omission on the part of the nobleman had
been voluntary; he did not know Bergaml-
no. and, therefore, thought it needless to
take the least trouble to please him.
Now Bergamino had undertaken this
Journey to Verona solely to assure himself
if all the widely spread reports of La Seala's
great munifcence were true. 1t was thus
a most vexatious disappointment, the more
SO as he had been at great expense In lodg-
ing himself, his servants, and his horses at
the inn. Nevertheless, he remained where
he was until he had spent all the money he
had brought with him, and that being ex-
hausted, he began to pay for his accommo-
dation by selling his clothes. Three very
rich dresses were in his trunks, for he had
expected to need them when he took part
in the gay doings at the house of the mar
quis. One of these had to be used to set
tie for what he owed, and it was not long
ere the second was turned to similar account
The third would doubtless have followed
but that Just at the time Bergamino had
resolved on another way of getting out of
difficulty. Presenting himself to the Sig
nor La Scala, when that gentleman was at
dinner, he assumed very sorrowful and
abstracted air.
@What ails you ?" cried the nobleman;
ssyou seem unhappy. May [ be allowed to
hear the cause of your trouble ?"
Raroamino had already decided what he
should say, SO he at once opened his lips,
seYou doubtless have heard, my lord,
said he, ''of celebrated grammarian named
Primasso, who made the most excellent
verses of any poet of his time His talent
for improvising on any subject, combined
with his other rare abilities, secured him
many friends; in fact, his praise was spread
both far and near. The desire to increase
the number of his acquaintance led Pri-
masso to undertake a journey to Paris, but
he appeared there in an humble guise, for
his knowledge had not made him prosper
ons-great people rarely recompense real
merit
arrived in the city, Primasso heard
much concerning the Bishop of Cluny, who,
after the Pope, was said to possess more
wealth than any other prelate of the church
Wondrous were the accounts of his magni-
ficence, of the splendor of his table, and
especially of the manner in which all were
regaled who chose to visit him at the hour
of dinner. Curious to see a rich man who
was also generous, Primasso resolved to
pay q visit to the good bishop.
at appeared that. just then, the prelate
was residing in one of his country man
sions not many miles away from the city;
therefore, Primasso calculated that by start
ing early he should be able to get there in
good time for dinner.
"Having studied the road, he made his
arrangements for starting; but for fear lest
he might lose his way and be delayed, he
had the prudence to provide himself with
three rolls, which would secure him against
hunger However, he found the distance
easier to accomplish than he had expected,
so he was at the bishops house somewhat
in advance of the dinner hour. Being at
once admitted, he had time to look around
him and to observe the grand preparations
which were making Presently the gov
ernor of the household called out that din
ner would shortly be served, and that the
guests must place themselves at table. By
chance Primasso was seated exactly facing
the door through which the prelate would
presently pass to the banquet, and it was
the custom that even the first course should
not be served until he was himself seated.
Suddenly the door opened and the bishop
was advancing, but his eye lighted on Pri-
masso in his shabby garments, and feel
ing of disgust took possession of him,
though by habit, he was the most chari-
table of men, Drawing back and closing
the door sharply, he inquired of his ser
wants who that person might be who was
seated facing the door. No one knew, for
Primasso was a perfect stranger to all
While the bishop still fingered outside the
dining hall this unwelcome guest of his be-
gan to feel hungry, so, drawing one OF the
rolls from his pocket, he set to work to eat
it. Presently a servant looked in to see
if he were still in the same place. My
Lord, said this one, returning to the bish-
op, mot only is the man there, but he is
eating some bread, which he seems to have
brought with him. Let him eat his own
bread, was the reply, for certainly he will
not taste of mine to day Though he said
this, the bishop woud not 90 so far as to
order Primasso to retire, for he felt this
would be too marked an incivility; never
theless, he hoped the delay in serving the
dinner might cause this man to depart
unasked
"Meanwhile, Primasso, having eaten one
roll began on the second with excellent
nrrotitn Hn hnd nnticnd the rrnlate's ev-