| Citation |
VGW(HU.772.106
23 Jul 1772:13 (1095)
London. Extract of a letter from a Danish merchant to his
correspondent in London, April 27.
. . . [Discussion of rivalries and jealousies in the Danish
Court]
As an instance of her [Danish Queen] weakness, as well as
want of common prudence, I must tell you that last Christmas
she made Struensee a present of a piece of new fashioned
English silk to make him a bed gown; but Struensee, who it
seems had a greater passion for a favourite Italian actress
than for the young Queen, made a present of this English
manufactured silk to the actress. She, proud and vain of
her conquest, had it immediately made up, and appeared in
all the publick walks. The Queen happening one day to see
her walking in the street in this new acquired dress, stung
with rage and jealousy at her fair rival's superior charms,
instantly despatched some of her domesticks with orders to
tear the gown from off her back. The Royal Orders were
immediately carried into execution, and the lovely actress
was accordingly stripped stark naked in the publick streets,
in the presence of a thousand spectators. I leave you, sir,
to make your own comments on this true story, and am
persuaded you cannot but think the whole Danish Nation are
happy in getting rid of her.
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