And King Ludwig turned to the teacher with a smile and a gracious look;
“It is plain,” said he, “that your scholars have carefully conned their book.
“But now let us ask some questions to see if they understand;”
And he showed to one of the little maids an orange in his hand.
It was Christel, the youngest sister of the mistress fair and kind—
A child with a face like a lily, and as lovely and pure a mind.
“What kingdom does this belong to?” as he called her to his knee;
And at once—“The vegetable,” she answered quietly.
“Good,” said the monarch kindly, and showed her a piece of gold;
“Now tell me what this belongs to—the pretty coin that I hold?”