This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ...the prompt distribution of money, food, and raiment, did all that could be done at the moment to alleviate the distress of so many homeless beings. The king himself saved, by his judicious orders on the spot, the remainder of the town, causing houses to be razed in the quarters the fire seemed most likely to spread in, and by his calm and collected presence inciting the panic-stricken inhabitants to fresh exertions. The wealthy and compassionate in Munich hastened to forward their subscriptions and contributions. Extensive, however, as these were, the king on his return pronounced them still inadequate, and he, with the queen, united in calling on the ladies and gentlemen of his court--at that moment celebrating the carnival in Munich--to turn their talents, and even their amusements, to good account for the unhappy sufferers at Tranenstein. After some little deliberation, it was determined that a series of tableaux vivants should be prepared. The respectable public were to be admitted by paid tickets, obtained from one or other of the lady patronesses. Two representations were decided upon: the first being in the light of a dress rehearsal, the moderate sum of a fiorin was only demanded. This representation was crowded by the tradespeople and bourgeoisie of the town. The second evening, the king, queen, and court, with all that was great and gay in Munich, graced the tableaux as spectators, the tickets being nominally raised to two florins. As they became scarcer, however, the price rose again, and an Enghsh family stopping for a few days at one of the hotels in Munich had to pay, it was said, as much as ten florins each for their tickets; a price considered extortionate by many of the Germans, but which the fair lady patroness who sold...