Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-09-07
Getting Ahead Of n Monarch.

friend of ours from across the waters, related
to Us the following anecdole actual occur
renee in oriental chimes. 1t possesses depth of
thought and freshness OF wit 10 good to be lost:
A Priest. learned in the lore of ancient and
modern literature, had opened rooms for public
instruction, and styled himself upon his door,
Professor of Universal Knowledge
The King, in passing one day observed the no.
tce, and walking in, inquired what he meant by
Universal knowledge. The Priest answered, of
course 1T was the knowledge of all things possible.
This answer, not exactly suiiing the King, he re-
solved to test the capabilities of the Professor.
If says he, you profess Universal Knowl
edge, then you will be able to answer three ones
tons which shall propose TO you. They are as
follows, ard you must answer them by TO morrow
at this time, or your head shall be struck from your
shoulders. First, tell me how many baskets of
earth there are in yonder mountain. Secondly,
Inform me how much the Kings worth. Thirdly,
ell me, exactly, of what the King is thinking at
the time.'
This was different turn TO affairs from what
the Professor expected, and he was soreIy per-
picked. He went at once to his study, resolved
to do his utmost to comply wi tn such an unheard
OF, and to him unreasonable request Books
were suached from his shelves manuscripts were
carefully examined; calculations made, and all
his available means put in requlsition to solve
these questions, on which depended his life. So
few hours to accomplish so much-death the
price Of failure, together with desire to establish
his reputation, all vrought upon his mental and
physical frame, to such degree that he was soon
III fever Of excitement. He had almost buried
himself in his books: scraps Of paper with figures
and signs covered the table, and lay scattered on
the floor; yet the result was unatiained Still
more intense grew the excitement as he thought
figured, and read, while the perspiration stood in
large drops upon his forehead, and rolled down
his face. He was vergng towards despair; his
whole system trembled with nervous agitation,
when his servant entering the room, and, alarmed
at the wild and excited look of his master, eager
ly nquired the cause. Hurridy he related what
had happened; the strange questions; the fearful
penalty. Instead, however, OF partakng of his
masters emotion, the servant very coolly REPLIED:
is that all the trouble? Leave the matter TO
NELL 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 read
lily acceded TO by the Priest, who to speak the
truth, thought more Of his own head than bis ser
wants just at tmat 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, show many
baskets Of earth are there in yonder mountain
hat depends, your Majesty, upon circum-
stances.
'What circumstances =
'Ihe size of the baskets. If one is as large as
the mountain, one will contain it, If half as large
two; if one fourth, four, &c.
The king was SO much amused at the reply,
that he expressed himself satisfied, and proceeded
to the second question.
Tell me 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
To this answer the King could not object, and
he was nevertheless SO pleased with the Wit dis
played that he said:
Very well, sir; but can you answer my last
question, and tell me of what am now thinking.
Most certainly, your Majesty. You are now
thinking that you are talking with the Priest Pro-
lessor whereas it is only his servant
1t is unnecessary to add that both heads were
safely upon their shoulders, and both received
rich tokens Of kingy favor