Children.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1869, 6 February 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

Children.

A King's Game at Ball M^oro than a hundred years ago an old man was writing cue eltcrac on in a Email chamber of the pilaca of Sits-Souci, at i Pottdain, near Berlin, while ou the other I side of (he room Lia listlo nephew was play. I ing ball a 8 quietly as he could, bo as not to i disturb his uncle. Tuo unclo waa a BmiH.lean, sickly-looking man, vrhose threadbare military- coat looked as if it had been bought from an old-clothes man. But with all this there was something in the expression of his firm, thin-lipped mouth, and of the largo bright eyes that looked out so keenly from beneath his great massive forehead, which would have struck the most careless observer. And well might it bo so ; for this old man was Frederick the Great, tbe moat famous soldier of his time, whose whole life had been one long battle with Austria for the province of Silesia. Twice had the ball slipped from the little Prince's hands and rolled under the writing table, and twice had the King picked it up for him. But as Frederick banded it back the second time he said, with a warning shake of bis gray head : "Fritz, I cannot attend to the affairs of Europe and play ball with thee as well. The next time the ball cornea here I Bhall keep it." Presently the unlucky ball went aßtray a third time, and the King quietly put it in his pocket. The boy stood for a moment in silent dismay, and then said, meekly, " Uac'.e Frudrich-, give me my ball, pleaee." But "Uncle Friedrich " went on with his work unheeding. The boy again repeated his petition, which was again disregaidtd. Taen came a quick etarap, and Frederick, looking up, found tLo Iktlo fellow standing befjre him, with a eettitil etcrness on his eaiooth, rcuad faci whioh gave it a strange likeness to tte waather-beacen visage of tho grim old King. With his tiny hands pet defiantly upon his hips, and one sanp.ll foot pi .n ted firmly in front of him, he said, in a commanding tone, ' Will your Majesty bo pleased to give up my ball at onoe?" " Good I" cried Frederiok the Great, clapping the little hcio on the shoulder as he gave back the contested ball ; they won't get Silceia from thee when thou art King in my stead. Alw&ya demand thy rights as boldly, and thou'lt be a good king of Prussia."