Would Declare War
If Frederick the Great heard that any one had spoken ill of him, he simply asked:
“Does the fellow own a hundred thousand men?”
“No.”
“Well, then, I can’t do anything to him; but if he commanded a hundred thousand soldiers I would declare war on him.”
The Snuff Box of Frederick the Great
One time Frederick the Great presented to Count von Schwerin, his equerry, a snuff-box with a monkey on the lid. The Count had the monkey taken out and the king’s picture put in the place. In the evening, looking as pleased as possible, he paraded it before the king’s eyes.
“You seem to like it,” said the king, with an ironic smile.
“Everything that comes from your Majesty’s hands is precious to me,” Schwerin assured him, “and I value this box the more, as it shows the picture of one whom I honor with all my heart—your Majesty’s picture!” Astounded at this impudence, Frederick looked at the box, and, noticing the change, laughed at the old diplomat and said: