stand still, and they obeyed him."




LESSON XXXV

HUMANITY REWARDED

Joseph the Second, Emperor of Germany, once received a petition in
favor of a poor old officer, with a family of ten children, who was
reduced to the utmost poverty.

After making inquiries respecting the man, and satisfying himself of
his worth, the Emperor determined to judge of his necessities by
personal observation.

Accordingly he went alone to the house of the officer, whom he found
seated at table, with eleven children around him, dining upon
vegetables of his own planting.

The Emperor, who was disguised as a private citizen, after some general
conversation with the officer, said: "I heard you had ten children, but
I see here eleven."

"This," replied the officer, pointing to one, "is a poor orphan, whom I
found at my door. I have endeavored to obtain for him the assistance
of persons who could better afford to provide for him, but have not
been able to succeed; and of course, I could do no better than share my
little portion with him."