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THE KING AND THE PAGE Many years ago there was a king of Prussia , whose name was Frederick ; and because he was very wise and very brave , people called him Frederick the Great . Like other kings , he lived in a beautiful palace and had many officers and servants to wait upon him . Among the servants there was a little page whose name was Carl . It was Carl's duty to sit outside of the king's bedroom and be ready to serve him at any time . One night the king sat up very late , writing letters and sending messages ; and the little page was kept busy running on errands until past midnight . The next morning the king wished to send him on another errand . He rang the little bell which was used to call the page , but no page answered . " I wonder what can have happened to the boy , " he said ; and he opened the door and looked out . There , sitting in his chair , was Carl , fast asleep . The poor child was so tired after his night's work that he could not keep awake . The king was about to waken him roughly , when he saw a piece of paper on the floor beside him . He picked it up and read it . It was a letter from the page's mother : — Dearest Carl ; You are a good boy to send me all your wages , for now I can pay the rent and buy some warm clothing for your little sister . I thank you for it , and pray that God will bless you . Be faithful to the king and do your duty . The king went back to the room on tiptoe . He took ten gold pieces from his table and wrapped them in the little letter . Then he went out again , very quietly , and slipped them all into the boy's pocket . After a while he rang the bell again , very loudly . Carl awoke with a start , and came quickly to answer the call . " I think you have been asleep , " said the king . The boy stammered and did not know what to say . He was frightened and ready to cry . He put his hand in his pocket , and was surprised to find the gold pieces wrapped in his mother's letter . Then his eyes overflowed with tears , and he fell on his knees before the king . " What is the matter ? " asked Frederick . " Oh , your Majesty ! " cried Carl . " Have mercy on me . It is true that I have been asleep , but I know nothing about this money . Some one is trying to ruin me . " " Have courage , my boy , " said the king . " I know how you must have been overwearied with long hours of watching . And people say that fortune comes to us in our sleep . You may send the gold pieces to your mother with my compliments ; and tell her that the king will take care of both her and you . "
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