The Prussian Exercise; a Game for Children.
In this diverting little game, as many children as wish to play must kneel down beside one another, in a row. The corporal, as she is called, is placed at the head of the line, and the captain stands up in the manner of a captain of a company, and gives them words of command. These must be something ludicrous, such as telling them to pull their noses, slap their faces, clap their hands, cough, and things of that kind. All the little company must try to obey the word of command at the same time, as the real soldier obeys the order of his captain.
After various amusing manœuvres, the captain must tell them to “present arms.” They all then raise their right arm and hold it straight out before them. The next order is to “fire.” Here the corporal, who is in the secret, gives the little girl next her a sudden push, which sends her and all the other little people in the line, tumbling down one over the other. This is a very diverting game, and easy to be taught to very young children.
“If I were so unlucky as to have a stupid son,” said a military man, “I would make him a parson.” “You think differently from your father,” said a by-stander.