“The ‘following morning’ came, and with it troubles insurmountable.  Scarcely had the Congress resumed its sitting, when an avalanche of deputations was announced, waiting an audience.  Monsieur Souley proposed that they be received in their order.  Of course I was bound to submit his proposal, but could not suppress a smile.  I thought the order would be the most difficult thing to ascertain.  However, as we are naturally good-natured, and love to turn the gravest subjects into the lightest jokes, that they be received in their order was agreed to without a dissenting vote.  By four o’clock in the afternoon we had received and heard the prayers of all sorts of deputations.  There was—­’The Ancient Order of Roman Republicans;’ the ’Lone Band of Oppressed Brothers;’ the ‘Universal Brotherhood of Exiled Patriots;’ the ‘Hopeful Band of Hungarian Refugees;’ the ’Polish Perpetuators;’—­in fact, there came all kinds of orders, and bonds, and leagues, and societies, all with innumerable grievances about they knew not what.  There were the oppressed, and very oppressed; the hopeful, and very hopeful; the patriotic, and very patriotic; all praying that their grievances might be redressed.  Indeed, they illustrated the fact that Europe was in no want of spirits.  Some of these forlorn brothers marched with bands of music, not only keeping the city in a state of general alarm, but seriously disturbing the nervous systems of many very respectable persons, high in office.

“It was now six o’clock, and as the Congress was hungry, and fatigued with its labors, and Hanz was literally worn out with mixing slings and smashes, I rose to propose we adjourn until to-morrow, seeing there was no time to receive any more deputations; but was interrupted by Noggs, who significantly announced a platoon of soldiery in front of the hall.  Monsieur Souley now turned a pale brown color; Belmont was seen looking for a back-door; and Buck’s hair changed two shades whiter:—­indeed, the alarm that had prevailed in sundry palaces outside seemed to have seized upon our Congress.

“‘A demand from the King!’ announced Noggs, with ominous accent.  Suddenly a suspicious-looking gent, smothered in dark uniform bespread with a profusion of lace, was ushered in, and with an elastic step, and quick, wandering eye, approached gracefully the President (me) and announced himself as King’s Messenger.  For a moment he stood uncovered, as if taking a bird’s-eye-view of the mental qualities of America; then, raising his right hand, which held a scroll, he extended it to the Chair as Mr. O’Sullivan demanded—­’Hats off!’ The silence of a minute was then broken by Monsieur Souley, who, having regained his courage, interposed sarcastically,—­’a messenger from the King of the Dutch?’ The official gave a glance in return, and bowed.  A seat was now provided for the stranger, who, as he was about to sit down, intimated that in the event of the terms of his Majesty’s proclamation not being complied