New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-05
BREAD CAST UPON
THE WATERS

OF course YOU have heard OF Frederick
the Great How he WAS born III beriih
more than one hundred and seVenty-hFe
years ago and how unhappy he was Tor
the first twenty-five years OF his Ire
How his father hated him and threw
plates at him during dinner; and how
once upon finding him playing the mute
he broke it across his oack.
But at last when Frederick WAS twenty
eight his cruel parent died aud then he
became King OF Prussia. lie was very
good monarch. encouraged arts and SCI
enccs and built beautiful palaces some OF
which are occupied to-day by the royai
family. lie admired General George
Washington greatly and i'm proof OF II
sent him a handsome sword on which WAS
engraved. From the oldest general TO
the greatest" Ha never dressed well,
however. as he cared nothing about hls
appearance and often wore an old yellow
vest until II was entirely covered with
spots
So II never occurred 10 ragged, dirty
little Antonio that he was speaking to TIC
ruler OF Prussia. when he met him walk
ing on the terrace near the river bank
ln Dresden. during the seven years war.
and when he asked To be allowed 10 show
him his marionettcs.
Let me show you my little actors"
said the boy. Juggling To open great boN
nearly as large as himself. "Oh. do please
look at them. Ny dolls act so beautifully
that you will be pleased with them. ] am
sure. and I do 20 want TO earn some
money To pay man know to teach me
to play the futc.'
would you Ike to learn 20 play tho
flute asked the KING. his sympathy
aroused AZ once. for he remembered his
own boyhood's desire.
Above all thibes." answered Antonio.
Come with me-" said this hnd-heaTted
old gentleman. as Antonio sun thought
him. and you shall have a good teacher
and a lnc flute of your very own. How
do you like that
The Door lad could hardly speak on
account OF the sobs Of JOY that persisted
in coming. But his new friend understood
and patted him on the head as they
walked of together. So he was put in
charge Of tie court music master, VINO
found he had great talent. and after
while he PLAYED 90 well that he was al
lowed To play before the King.
The boy felt the deepest gratitude
toward his kind bcncfactor and prayed
constantly that he might at some future
time prove his devotion To him. Strangely
enough. the opportunity did come. For one
morning Antonio. getting UP very early
and taking short cut through the
kitchen OF the castle on his way to the
garden. saw one Of the cooks acting IN a
suspicious manner. Just as Antonio
glanced at him the man dropped a white
rowder IN the cup OF chocolate meant for
the King.
The little flute player was Mortified, and.
rushing of. ran without ceremony into
the Kings apartment crying: "Oh, sire,
do not drink your chocolate this morn
ing--it is poisoned"
When, IA few minutes after the break
fast tray was brought in. Frederick the
Great received II very calmly. and looked
hard at the servant. Who Immediately
began to tremble.
How pale you are. You must be ill.,
exclaimed his majesty. Here drink this
cup Of chocolate. 1T may revive you
Mercy, sire" pleaded the servant.
throwing himself at tho kings feet. Il
am not to blame | am but an lnstru-
mont in the hands OF Others" and he
confessed the whole plot
"Wretched man, you were going 10
poison me-" said the King. and at the
same time he called one Of the dogs to mis-
side. lie gave him the contents of the
cup 10 drink. and shuddered when nc
saw the poor brute die In agony.
So it was bread cast upon the waters
which had returned after many days"
For Frederick tho Greats kindness h.
a poor little Italian boy had saved his
own life.