Their petition must be carried in the hand.

In the throne-room--where ladies were permitted to gaze to their hearts' content on the splendid display of Japanese porcelain--the major-domo would marshal the company in a double file, and there they would wait until his Holiness appeared.
"But look here," interposed Zimandy, with a troubled look, "does the Pope know I am a Calvinist ?" "He never asks about the religious belief of those who seek an audience with him.

On all alike he bestows his blessing, assuming that all who court his favour have an equal need of his benediction." "Are there very many asking an audience at this time ?" "Only eight hundred." "E-e-e! Eight hundred! How am I ever going to get a chance to deliver my Latin speech that I have been working on all night ?" "You will not be called upon for it at all.

It is not customary in a general audience with the Pope to make set speeches.

His Holiness addresses whom he chooses, and they answer him.