“My dear child,” interrupted the smiling monarch, “my sainted father helped many a donkey along.”
Changed His Order
The livery-stable-keeper, Faber, of Magdeburg, who had been very patriotic and generous during the war with France, asked permission to drive Emperor William on his first visit to Magdeburg after the war, in a carriage he had built for the purpose. Permission was granted, and he was rewarded with an order of the fourth class. When the Emperor went to Magdeburg the next time, Faber drove him again, but this time standing. “Why do you drive standing, Faber?” asked the Emperor.
“The fourth-class always does, your Majesty; they ride standing” (in a railway train), replied Faber, pointing at his order. The Emperor laughed heartily, and Faber received an order of the third class.
His Early Reign
In 1878, while Emperor William was recovering from the wound made by Nobiling in his murderous attack, Crown Prince Frederick transacted all business of state. After the first few days of pain and excitement were over, and as the Emperor grew stronger, his gay humor returned.
One morning as the Crown Prince came in to see him, the Emperor, extending his sound hand asked:
“Well, dear Fritz, have you reigned already this morning?”
Too Much Game
Once after a hunt, the Emperor was told that he had killed twenty-eight pieces of game. He looked surprised and said gaily: