When Napoleon (then a student at Brienne) was asked how he would supply
himself with provisions in a closely-invested town, he answered, without a
moment's hesitation, "From the enemy," which so pleased the examiners that
they passed him without further questions.


10. [The Russian General Suvaroff is said to have promoted one of his
sergeants for giving substantially the same answer.]

The Emperor Paul, of Russia, was so provoked by the awkwardness of an
officer on review that he ordered him to resign at once and retire to his
estate. "But he has no estate," the commander ventured. "Then give him
one!" thundered the despot, whose word was law, and the man gained more by
his blunders than he could have done by years of the most skillful service.

11. [The anger of an actor took the same turn as that of the Czar.]

Colley Cibber once missed his "cue," and the confusion that followed
spoiled the best passage of Betterton, who was manager as well as actor. He
rushed behind the scenes in a towering passion, and exclaimed, "Forfeit,
Master Colley; you shall be fined for such stupidity!" "It can't be done,"
said a fellow-actor, "for he gets no salary." "Put him down for ten
shillings a week and fine him five!" cried the furious manager.


12. INSIGNIFICANT THINGS

[The need of accuracy, or how insignificant things sometimes change the
meaning, is shown by the following.]