Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1853-10-08
GETTING AHEAD OF A MONARCH.

A friend of ours from across the waters, related
to us the following anecdOte as an actual occur
renee in oriental climes. Ii possesses depth of
thought and freshness of wit too good to be lost:
A Priest, learned in the lore cfancient and mod
ern literature had opened rooms for public insruc
tion, and styled himself upon his door, Professor
of Universal Knowledge
The King in passing one day, observed the no
tice, and walking in, inquired what he meant by
Universal knowledge. The Priest answered, Of
course it the knowledge of all things possible.
This answer, not exactly suiting the King, he res
olved to test the capabilities of the Professor
If says he, you profess Universal knowledge,
then you will be able TO answer three questions
which shall propose to you. They are as follows,
and you must answer them by to morrow at this
time, or your head shall he struck from your shoul-
ders. 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 the
time
This was a different turn to affairs from what
the Professor expected and he was sOrely perpexcd
lie went at to his study resolved to do his ut
most to comply with such an unheard Of and to him
unreasonable request. Books were snatchcd from
his shelves; manuscripts were carefully examined
calculations made, and all his available means put
in rcquisiton to solve these questions, on which
depended his life. So few hours to accomplish so
much-doath the price of failure, together with n
desire to establish his reputation, all wrought upon
his mental and physical frame, to such degree
that he was soon in fever of excitement. lie had
almost buried himself in his books; scraps of paper
with figures and signs covered the table, and lay
scattered on the hoor yet the result unattained
Still more intense grew the excitement as as he
thought, figured and read, while the perspiration
stood in large drops upon his forehead and rolled
down his face. He was yerging towards despair;
his whole system trembled with nervous agitation
when his servant entering the room and, alarmed
at the wild and excited look ofhis master eagerly
inquired the cause. llurricdly he rclatedwhat had
happened; the strange questions; the fearful penal
ty. Instead, however, of partaking of his master
emotion the servant very cooly replied:
is that all the trouble? Leave the matter to me
I'll answer for YOU
After some conversation, it was proposed by the
servant to adopt his masters habit and meet the
king at the appointed hour. The offer was readily
acceded to by the Priest, who, to speak the truth,
thought more ofhs own head than his servant lust
Mt that moment. Disguised as the Professor, the
servant met the King, and told him he was ready
to answer his questions.
Tell me them said the King, how many baskets
OF earth are there in yonder mountain
That depends, your Majesty, upon circumstan-
ces'
What circumstances? . -
The size of the baskets. If one is as largo as
the mountain, one will contain it. Ifhalfas large
two; if one fourth, four, &C.
The king was 50 amused at the reply, that he ex-
pressed himself satisfied, and proceeded to the sec
ond question.
Tell me now how much the King is worth?'
We'll, your Majesty, Jesus Christ was sold for
thirty pieces of silver, and he was the King of
Heaven and Earth; so conclude the King is worth
about one piece st.
To this answer the King could not object, and
he was nevertheless so pleased with the wit dis
played, that he said;
Very we'll sir; but can you answer my last ques-
ton and tell me Of what / am now thinking
Most certainly your Majesty. You are now
thinking that you are talking with the Priest Pro
fessor whereas il is only his servant
II is unnecessary to add that both heads were
safely upon their shoulders, and both received rich
tokens Of kingly favor,