Too Hungry for Speeches
Frederick William IV, later Emperor William I, never liked to listen to long speeches when he was received into a city. One day, after having traveled for many hours in a post-chaise, he reached the gates of a small town about noon, tired and hungry. Here the King was received by the officials, and the burgomaster began a long-winded speech with:
“Most high and most gracious King! When Hannibal stood before the gates of Carthage——”
“He was probably as hungry as I am. Come, my dear burgomaster, get into my carriage and be my guest.”