The eccentric old King of Prussia, father of Frederick the Great, while
visiting the Potsdam prison, was much interested in the professions of
innocence the prisoners made. Some blamed their conviction on the prejudice
of judges; others, upon the perjury of witnesses or the tricks of bad
companions. At length he accosted a sturdy, closely-fettered prisoner with
the remark, "I suppose you are innocent, too."
"No, your Majesty," was the unexpected response. "I am guilty, and richly
deserve all I get."
"Here, you turnkey," thundered the monarch, "come and turn out this rascal,
quick, before he corrupts this fine lot of innocent and abused people that
you have about you."