16. The Emperor and the School Children

Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, was walking one June morning out into the country for a little rest and recreation. He came to a country schoolhouse, and asked the teacher if he might speak to the children and ask them some questions. Taking an orange from his pocket he said, “Who can tell me to what kingdom this belongs?” A brave, bright boy spoke up quickly and said, “It belongs to the vegetable kingdom, sir.” “Why?” asked the King. “It is the fruit of a plant, and all plants belong to the vegetable kingdom,” said the boy. The King was pleased. “You are right, and you shall have the orange for your answer. Catch it,” he said, tossing it to the boy. Then taking a gold coin from his pocket and holding it up, he said, “To what kingdom does this belong?” Another bright boy answered quickly, “To the mineral kingdom, sir! All metals belong to the mineral kingdom.” “That is a good answer,” said the King. “Here is the gold-piece for your answer.” The children were delighted.

“I will ask you one more question,” he said. “To what kingdom do I belong?” The bright boys were puzzled now. Some thought of saying “To the kingdom of Prussia.” Some wanted to say “To the animal kingdom.” But they were a little afraid, and all kept still. At last a tiny, blue-eyed little girl looked up into the King’s smiling face and said in her simple way, “I think you belong to the kingdom of heaven, sir.”

King Frederick’s eyes filled with tears, and he stooped down and kissed the sweet little girl, and said, “I hope I may always belong to that kingdom, my child.”