For the Prelate I am called.”
Acute Hoarseness
The singer Tichatschek was once engaged by the Grand Duke of H. to sing for a few nights at his Opera house. On arriving, the singer went at once to an orchestra rehearsal of the opera in which he was to sing, and which was conducted by the Grand Duke, who was an enthusiastic musician. While still behind the stage Tichatschek could hear that the orchestra was playing out of tune and that the wind instruments were ahead.
“Great heavens!” cried the singer, “what musical chaos is this? What idiot is occupying the leader’s desk?”
With these words he stepped upon the stage, and found himself face to face with the Grand Duke, who exclaimed excitedly:
“I am that idiot!”
The singer canceled his engagement on account of “acute hoarseness.”
Comforting Words
A well-known comic actor, who had accumulated a large fortune, was on his deathbed. A number of his friends stood around, weeping.
“Calm yourselves,” said the dying man, “you won’t weep over me as long as you have laughed over me!”