Portrait of Maria Theresa of Austria and Francis Stephen of Lorraine
The following singular and in some ways nice anecdote is able to demonstrate perhaps more than many words the high moral sense and justice that always characterized the work of Maria Theresa of Austria, both as a woman and as an empress.
During an informal walk without following in the company of her husband Francesco Stefano I di Lorena , the sovereign was thirsty but there was no water nearby.
The presence of a vineyard seemed to solve the situation:Francesco, climbing over the fence, "stole" a bunch of grapes to give it to his wife.
Except that the royal couple hadn't come to terms with the wrath of the farmer, legitimate owner of that land, who, just as the two were about to eat the "stolen goods", hurled himself against them asking for a fine of five scudi.
Maria Teresa and Francesco had left without money and, unable to pay the man, they were literally kidnapped by him and locked up in her house.
After a few hours of "interrogation", fearing that the unexpected and unfortunate situation could end badly, the Emperor decided to reveal his true identity, but the farmer not only did not believe him, but thinking that they were making fun of him, more annoyed than before, he refused to let them go.
Everything turned out for the best when the courtiers, worried about the long absence of the royals, finally found them, but to their intention to severely punish the poor farmer, Maria Theresa firmly opposed, stating that he, after all, had not done other than exercising one's own right.