CHAPTER I

The Prince de Ligne--His Wit and his Urbanity--Robinson Crusoe--The Masked Ball and Rout--Sovereigns in Dominos --The Emperor of Russia and Prince Eugène--Kings and Princes--Zibin--General Tettenborn--A Glance at his Military Career--Grand Military Fête in Honour of Peace-- The Footing of Intimacy of the Sovereigns at the Congress --The Imperial Palace--Death of Queen Maria Carolina of Naples--Emperor Alexander--Anecdotes--Sovereign Gifts --Politics and Diplomacy--The Grand Rout--The Waltz, 11