Lablache Wears Two Hats

The great singer Luigi Lablache was famous not only for his voice but for his comedy. He had a habit of telling stories that made his friends roar with laughter.

One day he was waiting to be received by the King of Naples. A chill draft came through the open doors, and Lablache asked permission to keep his hat on so he wouldn’t catch cold.

After a few minutes the usher signaled that the King was ready. In his haste Lablache picked up a hat that was lying nearby—forgetting that his own hat was still on his head—and marched into the royal presence carrying the borrowed one.

The King burst into laughter. Lablache looked up, realized the absurdity, and then bowed with perfect composure. “Sire,” he said, “Your Majesty is right. Even one hat would be too much for a man who has no head!”