Remember, once for all, do not flatter them.

Conciliani will get no increase of salary.

If he persists, let him go to the mischief! This is my decision .-- Proceed! What is Madame Mara begging for ?" "Madame Mara constantly refuses to sing the airs which your majesty commanded to be introduced into the opera of 'Coriolanus.' She has taken the liberty to address you in writing; here is the letter, if your majesty will have the grace to read it." "By no means, sir, by no means!" cried the king; at the same instant catching the paper with his staff, he slung it like a shot arrow to the farthest corner of the room, to the great amusement of Alkmene, who, with a loud bark, sprang from her master's knee, and with a bound caught the strange bird, and tore it in pieces.

"You are right, my pet," said the king, laughing, "you have written my answer with your nose to this arrogant person.

Director, say to Madame Mara that I pay her to sing, not to write.