Thoughtfulness for Others
During the many wars he was engaged in, Frederick the Great shared not only all the dangers but also all the hardships of the common soldier.
Once he marched with his grenadiers till very late at night. At last they halted, and the king said:
“Grenadiers, it is a very cold night; we must have a fire!” One was built at once. Frederick wrapped himself in his cloak, sat down on a few pieces of wood near the fire, and the soldiers grouped themselves around him. After a while General Ziethen came, and he also sat down on a little pile of wood. Both were extremely fatigued and soon fell asleep.
The king, on opening his eyes, perceived that Ziethen had slipped off his seat and that a grenadier was placing a fagot under his head for a pillow. In a loud voice Frederick said:
“Bravo! the old gentleman is very tired!” Soon after, a grenadier got up, half asleep, in order to light his pipe by the fire, and carelessly touched the General’s foot. The king, who was glad to see Ziethen take a little much needed rest, held up his hand and said whisperingly:
“Take care, grenadier, not to waken the General; he is very sleepy.”