The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1879-10-10
THE KING AND THE CAPUCHN.

The Italians ten many a good story
about The witty savings. ana clever do
ings. of Capuchin FTiars, and indeed of
Franciscans in general. | read of one,
which ought not l think. be allowed
to GO into oblivion. This story is told
as follows
Frederick the Great Of Prussia paid Wis
il to SileSia shortly after having annexed
that province to his dominiOns. Now, It
happened in those parts there was certain
convent of CapuchinS. The superior went
with one of his religious to present his res
poets to his new sovereign, and beg his royal
protection for the community over which the
worthy Father Guardian presided. When
the Capuchin was announced the king was
i'm his cabinet in conversation with his broth
er. Fredrick exclaimed ''Show the friar in
/ mean to have some fun out of this Capu-
chin
His brother warned him that he had a
friar to deal with, and to take care that, if
he began with his banteTing, he did not get
the worst of it. The friaT was admitted. He
presented himself with all the respect due
to his sovereign, and said that he could not
allow his Hajesty's first visit to that province
to pass by without coming 60 wait on his
new sovereign, to testify his loyalty and de
voted attachment TO his royal person, in his
own name and that of his religious commun-
ity. He also recommended his convent to
the protection OF the new monarch
The king fastened to reasSure him on this
point, and then went on Immediately with
an air of affected simplicity and gOOd-natur-
ed openneSS to say
But, my good father, tell me is it really
tTue-that You Capunchins send Your nOvi-
ces out to water the kitchen garden when
il Is raining and to plant the cabbaCeS with
the heads down, and the roots in the air
and make them 90 and eat their dinner with
the cat in the middle of the floor? Is all
that true o.
The guardian. though he saw the pretend
cd simplicity OF the friend of NOltaire, still
with all humility explained to his majesty
that 20 enter an order Ike that of the Capu-
chuS. it was necessary to ascertain whether
a novice could lead a life of modification
humility, obedience, etc, and fulfil the du
ties OF a religious Of ST. Francis. While tho
worthy 1riar was explaining matters 70 the
king, donkey down in the yard began bray
ing loudly and was Immediately answered
by another that was there
The king at this Interrupted the CapuchiT
assuring him that he mad now high opinion
indeed of the Capuchin Order, and to give
him an Unnistallable mark of his esteem, h,
was determined TO send two persOnages o.
his court to enter that Order The CapuchiI
knew he meant the two dOnkeys in tn,
courtyard, but he dissimulated cOmpletell
and, with perfect gravity and most res
pcctful air, thanked his majesty for the sig
nal honor he was going to confer on the Se
raphic Order and he promised, as a mari
of his deep gratitude FOR so distinguished
favor. that he would bestow his majesty
name on one of the novices, and on the 9th
cr the name OF the Serene Prince his majes
tvs brother And SO saying, he made hi
bow and took his departure.
Diln'l ! -ci on to Cave that friar alone
This was al ls the consolation the barled mon
arch got FROM his royal brother.