The Snuff Box of Frederick the Great
One time Frederick the Great presented to Count von Schwerin, his equerry, a snuff-box with a monkey on the lid. The Count had the monkey taken out and the king’s picture put in the place. In the evening, looking as pleased as possible, he paraded it before the king’s eyes.
“You seem to like it,” said the king, with an ironic smile.
“Everything that comes from your Majesty’s hands is precious to me,” Schwerin assured him, “and I value this box the more, as it shows the picture of one whom I honor with all my heart—your Majesty’s picture!” Astounded at this impudence, Frederick looked at the box, and, noticing the change, laughed at the old diplomat and said:
“The idea is fine and does you honor, but the picture is not good; here is a better one!” and handed him his own richly-jeweled snuff-box.