thrown myself at your feet, and kissed your hand, saying, 'My king,
my dear great-uncle, I must come in to thank you a thousand times
for the flag-bearer's commission you have sent me, and for the
beautiful uniform." Then I would see if your majesty had the courage
to send me away."

"Let me see, my prince--do you think my courage could fail me upon
any occasion?"

"Yes, in bad things," zealously cried the prince, "and it would be
bad if you would not let me thank you. I am so happy with the
commission and the beautiful uniform which you so graciously sent to
me! Tell me, your majesty, do I not look beautifully?" The boy
straightened his elegant, slender form, and saluted the king,
putting the two fingers of his right hand upon his cap.

"Yes, yes," said Frederick, "you look very nicely, my prince; but it
is not enough that you look well--you must behave well. From a flag-
bearer in my army I expect very different things than from any
common child. Who wears my uniform must prove himself worthy of the
honor."

"Your majesty," cried the prince, "I assure you, upon my word of
honor, that I have no bad marks when I wear the uniform. Your
majesty can ask my tutor. He came with me, and waits in the anteroom
to speak with you. He will tell you that I have a good report."

"Very well, we will call him presently," said Frederick, smiling.
"Now we will chat a little together. Tell me whether you are very
industrious, and if you are learning anything of consequence?"