Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1853-07-28
es,,,u. ahead Of n Monarch.

OCtAA18 o10o~ - - A-e@--~@s
A friend of ours from across the wa
ters, related to us the following anecdote
as an actual occurrence in oriental climes-
1t possesses a depth of thought and
freshness of wit too good to be lost: ~
A Priest, learned in the lore Of an
cient and modern literature, had opened
rooms for public instruction, and styled
himself upon his door, Professor of
Universal knowledge" T
The King, in passing one day, OBJ
served the notice, and walking in, IN
uuired what was meant by Universal
knowledge. The Priest answered, of
course, that it was the knowledge Of all
things possible. This answer not ex-
actly suiting the King, he resolved to
test the capabilities of the Professor.
"If," said he, ''you profess Universal
knowledge, then you will be able to an
swer three questions, which shall pro-
pose to you. They are as follows, and
you must answer them by tomorrow at
this time, or your head will be struck
from your shoulders. First, tell me how
many baskets of earth there are in yon-
der 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 perplexed. He went at
once to his study, resolved to do his ut
most to comply with such an unheard-of,
and to him, unreasonable request
Books were snatched from his shelves;
manuscripts were carefully examined
calculations made, and all his available
means put in requisition to solve these
questions on which depended his life
So few hours to accomplish so much
death the price of failure, together with
a desire to establish bis regulations all
wrought upon his mental and physical
frame to such degree that he was soon
in a fever of excitement. He had al
most buried himself in his books-scraps
of paper with figures and signs covered
his table, and lay scattered on the floor
yet the result was unattained. 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 fast verging towards despair
his whole system trembling with nervous
agitation, when his servant entering the
room, and, alarmed at the wild and ex-
cited look of his master, eagerly inquired
the cause. Hurriedly he related what
had happened-the strange questions
the fearful penalty. Instead, however,
of partaking of his masters emotion,
the servant very coolly replied:
ais that all the trouble? Leave the
matter to me-I'll answer for you"
f After some conversation, it was pro-
posed by the servant to adopt his mas.
, ter's habit, and meet the King at the ap-
pointed hour. This offer was readily
acceded to by the Priest, who, to speak
the truth, thought more of his own head
than of his servants Just at that mo-
ment. Disguised as the Professor, the
/ servant met the King, and told him ne
. was ready to answer his questions.
"Tell me, then," said the King, show
t many baskts of earth there are in yon-
, der mountain" e.r'f, .f
: THAT depends, your Majesty, upon
circumstances. ~
: "What circumstances" ,'9'i
a "Tbe size of the baskets. Ifene is as
e large as the mountain, one viii contain
S II If half as large, two, if one-fourth,
e four, &c"
The King was so much amused at the
4 repIv. that he expressed himself satis-
r fed, and proceeded to the second ques-
9 ton.
"Ten me how much the King is
/, worth" .e =
+ "wen, your Majesty, Jesus Christ
f was sold for thirty pieces of silver, and he
S was the King of Heaven and Earth; so
(. conclude the King is worth about one
piece"
l To this answer the King could not obs
a iect. and he was nevertheless so pleased
: with the wit displayed. that he said:
= "Verv well, sir; but can you answer
r INV last question, and tell me Of what |
u am now thInking' ~ -
+ - Most certainly, your Majesty You
r are thinking you are now talking with
Il the Priest Professor, whereas it IS only
J, his servant" :. -. Z
1t is unnecessary to add that both
e heads were safely upon their shoulders,
e and both received rich tokens Of kmgiy
favor. E
g The following is "fearful, /" be,