“Pardon me, your Majesty,” replied the officer frankly, “I have debts, and honor demands that I should pay them as soon as possible. I hope to earn and return for the order in a few days.”
“That is brave, my son,” said the king, patting the Lieutenant’s shoulder. “You may take the order now; you deserve it!”
A Scarcity of Chairs
One morning while out riding near Potsdam, Frederick met a post-chaise in which sat one of his generals, who had numerous debts.
“Why my dear W.,” said the king to him, “you are off early; where are you going?”
“To Potsdam, your Majesty, to have an understanding with my creditors.”
“Oh,” smiled Frederick, “you would have done that better at Berlin; there are certainly not chairs enough at Potsdam.”
He Turned the Tables
Frederick the Great was passionately fond of playing the flute. One of his teachers for years, was J. Quantz, the famous flutist, who was also well known for his quick, witty answers. One evening after the usual concert, the king was conversing with his intimates, when Quantz made the remark that nothing could upset him, no matter how great the surprise. Frederick turned to him and said, laughing: