surprised the general, for the man was dressed in a yellow tunic, with blue tights, and a red ruffle about his neck.  In fine, it must be confessed that this Don Perez Goneti bore a much stronger resemblance to an escaped convict, or a street juggler, than to a great lawgiver.  A consultation now took place between this great lawgiver and the general, as to whether the speech of the latter would be acceptable to his majesty.  “For,” said the lawgiver, “his majesty is no fool.”  “And if he takes me for one, it will not be wise of him!” replied the general.  The lawgiver now presented the general, with uncommon ceremony.  And although the king bowed, it was evident he regarded the plenipotentiary with inward suspicion, and would have thanked heaven to be rid of both him and his secretary.  The general tugged up his breeches, and with an air of self-complacency truly admirable, spoke as follows, the lawgiver acting as interpreter.  “May it please your majesty, to whose gracious consideration I commend myself, I am general Roger Sherman Potter, of whom I make no doubt your majesty has heard enough said.  And this gentleman (here he turned to Mr. Tickler) is my secretary, perhaps not so well known, but, nevertheless, a man of reputation.”

The king yawned and inquired of his minister what the queer looking man said.

“He says your majesty is a great potentate, which is true enough.  But he requests that you acknowlege him the greatest living ambassador!  Honestly, your majesty, he has great skill as a jester, which I take it is why he was sent here.”

“Let him proceed, for if he be a fool, what he says touching our greatness may be turned to profit.  Let him proceed, that he prove the wisdom of his government in sending him.”  The lawgiver now bid the general proceed.

“Here are my credentials,” resumed the general, “and if your majesty will run his eye over them, he will see that the president of the United States accredits me minister extraordinary to your majesty’s court.  That being a proof of his good will, he hopes you will return it with similar testimony.  Of the good nature of our president no man can say a word but in praise; and I can swear he entertains a high opinion of your royal person, is earnestly desirous of preserving peace between us, and resolved to respect that comity which should rule among nations so distinguished, and without which neither of us can get along, seeing that we have so many sympathies in common.  As for myself, all I have to say is that your majesty will find my conduct so squared as to be acceptable in your eyes, for Heaven is with the peacemakers.”  Here the general paused as Don Perez Goneti proceeded to the interpretation.