“Master,” said he, “you are not quite successful with your lilies.”
“No,” answered the shoemaker, who did not recognise the King; “I have not grudged work or expense these five years to get pure white lilies, but they always have a green tinge about them. If I could only get into the royal garden—I hear they have such beautiful white lilies there!”
“It would not be any help to you, master,” said Ludwig, “for it is hardly your intention to steal plants there, I think. Nor would you have the opportunity of doing so.”
“What do you think of me, good sir?” exclaimed the man indignantly. “Do you think I would touch my King’s property? All I want is to see this beautiful flower in its full perfection.”
“You might be able to do that. I know the head gardener, and I will put in a good word for you.”
“If you would do that I would willingly make you a pair of boots for nothing.”
“I want no return for such a trifling service,” said Ludwig, taking leave of him with a friendly nod.
The next morning a servant brought the cobbler a large bunch of white lilies from the King.