An ardent republican once remarked that his distaste for monarchy did not preclude him from acknowledging King Leopold's superior qualities. "I admit," he explained, "that you would make an excellent president of a republic."

"Really?" the king drily replied. "I must remember to pass that compliment along to my doctor: 'Thiriar,' I'll say, 'you are an excellent doctor and I think you would make an admirable vet!'"