Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-06-30
GellInC Aacad OF A rIonareh.


A friend Of ours from across the waters, re-
lated to US the following aneedote as an actual
occurrence, in oriental elimes. Il possesses
depth of thought and freshness Of wit too
good 10 be lost
A'PriesL learned in the lore Of ancient and
modern literature, had opened rooms for pub
lie instruction, and styled himself upon his
door, professor of Universal knowledge"
The King in passing one day, observed the
notice, and walking in, inquired what was
meant by Universal knowledge. The Priest
answered Of course that il was the knowledge
Of all things, possible, This answer not ex-
actly suitng the King he resolved to tes: the
capabilities Of the Professor.
IF said he, ''you profess Universal Knowl-
edge, then you viii be able to answer three
questions, which shall propose to you. They
are as follows, and you must answer them by
tomorrow at this time, or your head will be
struck off from your shoulders. First tell me
how many baskets of earth there are in yonder
mountain. Secondly, inform me how much
the King is worth. Thirdly, tell me exactly
of what the King is thinking at this time"
This was a different turn TO affairs from what
the Professor expected, and he was sorely per-
picked. He went at once to his study resolved
to do his utmost to comply with such an un
heard of and to him unreasonable request
Books were snatched from his shelves /; man
uscript were carefully examined-calculation
made, & all his available means put into requisi-
ton to solve these questions on which depend
} ed his life So few hours to accomplish SO
much-dcath the price Of failure, together with
! desire to establish his reputation all wrought
S upon his mental and physical frame to such {
i degree, that he was soon in fever OF excite
+ ment. He had almost buried hmselfin book;
G scraps Of paper with figures and signs cover
= ed his table, and lay scattered on the floor
1t vet the result was unattaned. Sill more in
t, tense grew the excitement as he thought fgur
e ed and read, while the perspiration stood il
large drops upon his forehead and rolled dowl
. his face He was fast verging towards despai
G his whole system trembling with nervous
It agitation when his servant entered the room
4 and alarmed at the wild and excited look Of hi
/. master, eagerly injured the cause. Hurriedly
: he related what had happened-tho strange
d quesions-the fearful penalty. Instead how
If ever, of partaking of his masters emotion III,
n servant cooly replied
n is that all the trouble ? Leave the matte
l. to NELL answer for you"
1t After some conversation it was paoposed b,
>. the servant to adopt his masters habit an,
l. meet the King at the appointed hour. Thi
h offer was readily accepted by the Prcst, who
,e to speak the truth thought rather more of hi
e own head than of his servanr's just at that mo
l. meat Disguised as the Professor the strvar
in met the King. and told him he was ready
}, answer his questions.
e "Tell me, then, s&id the King, how man
d baskets Of earth there are in yonder mountain
! THAT depends, your Majesty, upon circun
4 stances"
: "What circumstances =
l. "To the size of the baskets. II one is =
s larra as the mountain, one will contain it.
id haif as i,,rge two if one fourth, four, &C.,
n. The kim was so much amused at the repl.
te tbat he expre, ,sed himself satisfied, and pr,
Ill cecded to the second question
o, Tell me how much the King is worth"
On "Well your Majesty Jesus Christ was so
to for tb;rtv pieces of silver, and he was King
Heaven and Earth so conclude the XII
is worth about one piece"
he To this answer the King could not obje
ng and he was nevertheless so pleased with the
on dis played that he said
Or "Verv we'll sir; can you answer my ID
question, and tell me of what am now thlnkln
"Most certainly, your Majesty You
ho thnkino that you are now talking with t
: priest Professor, where as it is only the 81
want"
It is unnecessary to add that both heads We
safely upon their shoulders and both receiV
rich tokens of kingly favor.