"Yes, a merchant in the manufacturing branch of the business," was the
reply in a slightly pompous tone and manner.

"Well, then it may be that you will come to Frankfort and learn the
business of me."

"Study to be a tailor? No, I do no care to learn to sew."

"What have you against the trade of tailoring? Do you know any that is
more honorable? Is it not our business here upon earth to serve our
fellow-men? And are not our fellow-men well served by having clothes
made for them? If a tailor understands his business and works at it in a
faithful, honest manner, he is as much to be respected as a kaiser who
rules his people in a just and faithful manner. Listen to this little
rhyme:

"'Not everyone can wear a kaiser's hat,
Not everyone must daily gutters sweep;
Yet everyone can do his honest work,
In palace or in hut his charge can keep.'

"Do not think I am censuring you, my dear boy, but never, never speak
disparagingly of any honest work."

"That little verse pleases me," remarked the quiet but observing Paul.
"My father often says the same thing but not in verse. He says that work
is no disgrace to anyone. And he tells his pupils that the smut that is
upon the hands of a toiling man can be washed off by soap, but no soap
can wash away the smutty word that comes from the lips."