The Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1852-1853, 1853-09-21
Getting ahead oGa Monarch.


| A friend OF ours across the waters, relat-
ed to us the following anecdote as an actual
occurrence in oriental climes. 1t posses a
depth of thought and freshness of wit to5
good to be lost: l4 #.sg
A priest, learned IN the lore of ancient
and modern literature, had odened rooms
for public Instruction, and styled himself up
on his door, Professor of Universal KnowI-
edge" 'taN .l .a't ....a', i.t
The King; in passing one day, observed
the notice, and walkingin inquired what
was meant by Universal Knowledge. The
Priest answered, of course it was the knowl-
edge of all things possible. This answer,
not exactly suiting the King, he resolved
to test the capabilities of the Professor.
off" says he, ''you profess Universal
knowledge, then you WILDE ableto 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 shall be struck from your shou-
ders. First, tell me how many baskets of
earth there are in yonder mountain. Sec
ondly, inform ne how much the King is
worth. Thirdly, tell 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
sorely perplexod. He went at once to his
study, resolved to do his utmost to comply
with such an unheard of, and to him tun-
reasonable request, Books were snatched
from his shelves, manuscripts were care full
ly 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 50 much--death
the price offailure, together with desire
to establish his reputation, all wroughtupon
his mental and physical frame to such de-
gree that he was soon in fever of excite
ment. He had almost 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
tho't, figured and read, while the perspra-
ton stood in large drops upon his forehead
and rolled down his face. He was verging
towards espair-his whole system tremb-
ling with nervous agitation, when his servant
entering the room, and, alarmed at the wild
and excited look of his master, eagerly in
quired the cause. Hurriedly he related
what had happened-the strange questions
the fearful penalty. Instead however OF
partakng Of his masters emotion, the ser
want very cody replied:
'tIs that alE.th trouble? Leave the mat
ter to me-l'll answer for youPa a A-a
A flnr
by the servant to adopt his masters habit,
and meet the king at the appointed hour
This one was readily accepted to by the
Priest who 10 speak the truth, thought more
Of his own head than his servants Just at
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, chow
many baskets ofearth are in yonder noun
tain" zlt fge BIZ ~ aau
"Fhas depends, your Majesty. upon cir
cumstances." ~ .I.r 20 se
"What circumstances?' .s...
VFhe size Of the baskets. If one is as
largeas the mountain one will contain it
If halfas large, two; ifone fourth, four, -"
The King was SO much amused at the re-
ply, that he expressed himself satisfied, and
to the second question. i
''fell me how much the King is worth?"
"Well, your Majesty, Jesus Christ was
sod for thjrty pieces Of silver, and he was
the King Of Heaven and Earth; SO | con-
clude the King, is worth about, one
piece"
To this answer the King couldn not object
and he was nevertheless SO pleased with The
wit displayed, that he said; '" #+4
--ftVery well, sir; but can you answer
nyilast question, and tell me Of whatI am
low, tblpking.' 81 sa7 "a bus saSt ais53aa
Most certainly, your Majesty. You are
low thinking you are talking With the Priest
Professor, whereas it is only his servant"
1t is unnecessary to add that both heads
we're safely upon their shoulders, and both
eceiyed rich tokens Of kingly favor,
R1EgA''I believe mine will be the fate Of
Abel, said devoted wife to her husband
me day. @ ga aH 9a @ @el
elbow sop inquired the husband. sEI
"Because Abel was killed by q club, 5nd
'our club will kill me if you continue to 60
oit every night. saaI a'ysbo0"@A K
R1-" Paddy, do, you know how todriyq?
aid traveller to the driver OIL jauntingl
ar. ag aYeGo33 afW gaaEsaa q stdhaaf #H
Sure I do,9' was tho answer. sWasJ1 it'd
lot | awh who upset your homer in s,diiqhs two
ears aoop' III