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Show THE JOKE OF A KING. Historic Hoax Perpstrated by Gusta-vus Gusta-vus III. of 8weden. King Qustavus III. of Sweden had been frequently Invited to the little court of Schwerln. In 1783 he paid a visit to Germany and as soon as the Duchess of Mecklenburg heard of his approach she prepared fetes In his honor. But Guatavus, who disdained the petty courti ot-the small rulers, sent two of his attendants a page named Peyron, and Desvouges, a valot who had formorly been an actor to be entertained by tho duchess. The two personated the king and his minister, Baron Sparro, and sustained the characters char-acters throughout. Thoy accepted as their due all the homage meant for their master, danced with the Mecklenburg Mecklen-burg ladies who were presented to them, and Peyron went so far as to ask ono of the ladles for her portrait. Meantime Oustavus wa3 enjoying himself him-self elsewhere In secret. |