A Double Reward
General Seydlitz once reported to Frederick II one of the skirmishes such as happened almost daily during the seven years’ war, and in doing so, praised a Lieutenant, whose conduct and splendid bravery well merited an order. The king had the young officer summoned and said to him pleasantly:
“I hear you have been very brave. I will reward you for it. Here are a hundred Friedrichsd’or, and here is the order of merit. You may choose.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, the officer took the money.
“You don’t seem to have much regard for honor, anyway,” said the king, displeased.
“Pardon me, your Majesty,” replied the officer frankly, “I have debts, and honor demands that I should pay them as soon as possible. I hope to earn and return for the order in a few days.”
“That is brave, my son,” said the king, patting the Lieutenant’s shoulder. “You may take the order now; you deserve it!”