ot what. There were the oppressed, and very oppressed; the
hopeful, and very hopeful; the patriotic, and very patriotic; all
praying that their grievances might be redressed. Indeed, they
illustrated the fact that Europe was in no want of spirits. Some of
these forlorn brothers marched with bands of music, not only keeping
the city in a state of general alarm, but seriously disturbing the
nervous systems of many very respectable persons, high in office.

"It was now six o'clock, and as the Congress was hungry, and fatigued
with its labors, and Hanz was literally worn out with mixing slings
and smashes, I rose to propose we adjourn until to-morrow, seeing
there was no time to receive any more deputations; but was interrupted
by Noggs, who significantly announced a platoon of soldiery in front
of the hall. Monsieur Souley now turned a pale brown color; Belmont
was seen looking for a back-door; and Buck's hair changed two shades
whiter:--indeed, the alarm that had prevailed in sundry palaces
outside seemed to have seized upon _our_ Congress.

"'A demand from the King!' announced Noggs, with ominous accent.
Suddenly a suspicious-looking gent, smothered in dark uniform bespread
with a profusion of lace, was ushered in, and with an elastic step,
and quick, wandering eye, approached gracefully the President (me) and
announced himself as King's Messenger. For a moment he stood
uncovered, as if taking a bird's-eye-view of the mental qualities of
America; then, raising his right hand, which held a scroll, he
extended it to the Chair as Mr. O'Sullivan demanded--'Hats off!' The
silence of a minute was then broken by Monsieur Souley, who, having
regained his courage, interposed sarcastically,--'a messenger from the
King of the Dutch?' The official gave a glance in return, and bowed. A
seat was now provided for the stranger, who, as he was about to sit
down, intimated that in the event of the terms of his Majesty's
proclamation not being complied with, painful as it would be to his
feelings, he would, in deference to his orders, be compelled to resort
to arms. It was a moment full of painful anxiety: the Chair cast an
eye over the document, as every one waited with eager suspense its
being read aloud. At length, summoning to my aid all the dignity my
composition entertained, I rose as each restless eye denoted hope and
anxiety, and said I would read the King's commands, which were to the
following effect:--'That whereas sundry evil-