As some officers of the Guards were showing off their troops to General Elliot, with their fine feathers, pink stocks, &c. &c., he said they only wanted one thing, which he had seen in Italy, and thought would be a great improvement to them. Upon being asked what this was, replied, “An umbrella;” which the Pope’s soldiers always carried.
Cardinal de Bernis said that Count Alfieri was very prodigal of reflections, but very covetous of words.
The Chevalier du Theil remarked to us, in speaking of a Minister who was giving fêtes on some public occasion, “On s’ennuie à les préparer, on se ruine à les faire, on est critiqué quand on les a faites.”
The expense of Monseigneur de Bernis’ bishopric, including expedition of bulls, presents, &c., amounted to about 480 Roman crowns. The Pope would not take the price of the bulls, as he was entitled to do.
The King of Prussia called the Emperor Joseph II. the Quixote of the North.