CHAPTER XXVII.
_A proclamation by the Baron--Excessive curiosity of the people to know what fudge was--The people in a general ferment about it--They break open all the granaries in the empire--The affections of the people conciliated--An ode performed in honour of the Baron--His discourse with Fragrantia on the excellence of the music._ Some time after I ordered the following proclamation to be published in the Court Gazette, and in all the other papers of the empire:-- BY THE MOST MIGHTY AND PUISSANT LORD, HIS EXCELLENCY THE LORD BARON MUNCHAUSEN.
Whereas a quantity of fudge has been distributed through all the granaries of the empire for particular uses; and as the natives have ever expressed their aversion to all manner of European eatables, it is hereby strictly forbidden, under pain of the severest penalties, for any of the officers charged with the keeping of the said fudge to give, sell, or suffer to be sold, any part or quantity whatever of the said material, until it be agreeable unto our good will and pleasure.
Dated in our Castle of Gristariska this Triskill of the month of Griskish, in the year Moulikasra- navas-kashna-vildash.
This proclamation excited the most ardent curiosity all over the empire.
"Do you know what this fudge is ?" said Lady Mooshilgarousti to Lord Darnarlaganl.

"Fudge!" said he, "Fudge! no: what fudge ?" "I mean," replied her Ladyship, "the enormous quantity of fudge that has been distributed under guards in all the strong places in the empire, and which is strictly forbidden to be sold or given to any of the natives under the severest penalties." "Lord!" replied he, "what in the name of wonder can it be?
Forbidden! why it must, but pray do you, Lady Fashashash, do you know what this fudge is?
Do you, Lord Trastillauex?
or you, Miss Gristilarkask?
What! nobody know what this fudge can be ?" It engrossed for several days the chit-chat of the whole empire.

Fudge, fudge, fudge, resounded in all companies and in all places, from the rising until the setting of the sun; and even at night, when gentle sleep refreshed the rest of mortals, the ladies of all that country were dreaming of fudge! "Upon my honour," said Kitty, as she was adjusting her modesty piece before the glass, just after getting out of bed, "there is scarce anything I would not give to know what this fudge can be." "La! my dear," replied Miss Killnariska, "I have been dreaming the whole night of nothing but fudge; I thought my lover kissed my hand, and pressed it to his bosom, while I, frowning, endeavoured to wrest it from him: that he kneeled at my feet.

No, never, never will I look at you, cried I, till you tell me what this fudge can be, or get me some of it.

Begone! cried I, with all the dignity of offended beauty, majesty, and a tragic queen.