Frederick the Great and the Page.

Golden Bay Argus, Volume IX, Issue 68, 15 September 1904, Page 3

Frederick the Great and the Page.

Frederick the Great one day, sitting in his study, rang the bell several times, but nobody came in response to his summons. At last, growing impatient, he opened the door of his ante-chamber and discovered his page fast asleep. The King, much annoyed, was about to awaken him when he discovered a written paper hanging out of the boy's pocket. Kings are not above curiosity any more than ordinary mortals, and without scruple his Majesty softly drew out the paper without awakening the sleeper and read it. He found it to be a letter of thanks from the page's mother, in which she blessed her boy for his thoughtt'ulness and devotion in sending her the greater part of his wages. It had been a great help to her, she wrote, and heaven would certainly reward him if ha continued faithful in the service of his King. After he had read this, Frederick went back to his study and brought a rouleau of ducats which he slipped with the letter into the pocket of the boy. Then closing the door of the ante-chamber, he went back to his desk and rang the bell with such violence that he soon awoke the page, who hurried into the room.

" Surely you have been asleep !" thunder, ed the King, glaring at him fiercely. The poor lad, much frightened, tried to stammer out a confession or excuse, and in his agitation he thrust his hand Into his pocket, where he found the roll of ducats. Confused and trembling, he drew it out, and stood looking first at the King, then at the money, utterly incapable of speech. " What is the matter ?" asked the King, hiding a smile behind his hand. " Alas, your Majesty !" cried the boy, falling on his knees. "My ruin is intended. I know nothing of this money ; indeed, I know nothing of it." " Why," said the King, " whenever Fortune does come she comes sleeping. You may send it to your mother with my compliments, and assure her that I will proviuo for you both."