The king stopped short when he saw the man—
“My worthy friend,” said he,
“Why not cease work at eventide,
When the laborer should be free?”
“I do not slave,” the old man said,
“And I am always free;
Though I work from the time I leave my bed
Till I can hardly see.”
“How much,” said the king, “is thy gain in a day?”
“Eight groschen,” the man replied.