Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1908 — When the Pope Prescribed. [ARTICLE]

When the Pope Prescribed.

Among the many stories told by Dr. Lapponi, who until his death a couple of weeks ago was chief physician to the Pope, is one of an occasion upop. which Leo 111. turned the tables op him, Lapponi was a strict disciplinarian in medical matters and Deo was a difficult patient He often complained of .the resttaints Lapponi placed on him, and sometimes insisted on having his own way. One day when the Pope was suffering from a very severe cold he insiston holding a prolonged and important reception, despite Lapponi’s protests. When it became plain that the Popejs determination could not be shaken the doctor as a last resort handed him a little box with several tablets in It, imploring him to take one whenever the symptoms of the cold became distressing. The doctor further took up a position in the auaience chamber, half hidden behind a tapestry, where he could watch his patient closely and jump to his support if he should show any signs of collapse. As the audience proceeded the Pope forgot all about the box ot tablets — at least Lapponi failed to see him take any of them. Presently Lapponi thought the Pope was becoming hoarser and he coughed a little as he spoke. The doctor made mind that lie must act. He coughed rather loudly so as to attract the Pope’s attention, and when he caught his eye made a gesture suggestive of taking a tablet from the box and swallowing IL The Pope Instantly turned to one of his secretaries standing *by. “Call the doctor to me,” said he. Lapponi sprang to his side. “Doctor,’’ said the Pope, “I notice you have a very severe cough. I am greatly grieved at it. But I have here some tablets,”—and he produced the box from a fold in hi« robes — “which I am told are splendid for a cold. Let me prescribe one for you. You will do me the pleasure of taking it at once.” What could Lapponi do but take his medicine. The whole gathering, however, understood the situation, and for onces a Papal audience was interrupted by a bust of laughter.—New York Sun.