King. “As a general, not otherwise.”
Soldier. “Hm! I don’t believe that. You are more than a general.”
King. “No! With the army I am only a general.”
Soldier (shaking his head). “They would get rich booty if they took you.”
King. “Oh, no, they would not. I have not a groschen in my pockets.”
Soldier. “Your Majesty is trying to deceive me.”
King. “No! I tell you I have not a kreutzer” (and to convince him, the King emptied his pockets). “There! do you not see I am right?”
Soldier. “That is strange, but—you have a beautiful ring, which certainly is worth something.”
King. “Well—and what do you think it is worth? Give a guess.” (Saying this, the King held up the ring for his examination.)
Soldier. “The ring may well have cost ten thousand thalers.”