One can imagine the greetings at dinner when the parties met; one rather embarrassed; the other ready to burst with merriment.
Sedan and Ses Dents
Pius IX possessed a fondness for humor, even when the occasion was a disagreeable one. When the news was brought to him that the French had lost Sedan, he cried: “Hélas, Napoleon a perdu ses dents!” Napoleon has lost his teeth (meaning, he will bite no more).
The Rothschilds
During the panic in the money market of 1866, the agent of a money-lending concern came to Baron Rothschild and begged him to advance them some money; but was promptly refused.
“Oh, but you have always helped us before,” wailed the agent.
“I know it.”
“You lent us some money only a few days ago.”
“That is true also.”