The Crown Prince of Prussia, was always a very sensible man in the
management of his household, and he is ably seconded by his wife. On one
occasion the governor of his children came to him and said:
"Your Highness, I must complain of the little Prince; he refuses to have
his face washed in the morning."
"Does he?" answered the Crown Prince. "We'll remedy that. After this let
him go unwashed."
"It shall be done," said the governor. Now the sentries have to salute
every member of the royal family--children and all--whenever they pass.
The day after, the little four-year-old Prince went out for a walk with
his governor. As they passed a sentry-box where a grim soldier stood,
the man stood rigid without presenting arms. The little
Prince--accustomed to universal deference--looked displeased, but said
nothing. Presently another sentry was passed. Neither did this one give
a sign of recognition. The little Prince angrily spoke of it to his old
governor, and they passed on. And when the walk was finished, and they
had met many soldiers, who none of them saluted the Prince, the little
fellow dashed in to his father exclaiming:
"Papa--papa--you must whip every man in your guards! They refuse to
salute when I pass!"
"Ah! my son," said the Crown Prince, "they do rightly; for clean
soldiers never salute a dirty little Prince." After that the boy took a
shower bath every morning.
* * * * *