He never went to war with anybody . He spent most of the royal income on public objects , and of course there were scarcely any taxes to speak of . Moreover , he had abolished what is called compulsory education , or making everybody go to school whether he likes it or not ; a most mischievous and tyrannical measure ! `` A fellow who ca n't teach himself to read , '' said the king , `` is not worth teaching . '' For all these reasons , and because they were so fond of the queen , his subjects were ready to do anything in reason for King Prigio . Only one tradesman , bowing very deep and blushing very much , said : `` Your Majesty , will you hear me for one moment ? '' `` For an hour , with pleasure , Herr Schmidt , '' said the monarch . `` It is an untradesman-like and an unusual thing to decline an order ; and if your Majesty asked for my heart 's blood , I am ready to shed it , not to speak of anything in the line of my business -- namely , boot and shoe making . But keep a secret from my wife , I fairly own to your Majesty that I can not . '' Herr Schmidt went down on his knees and wept . -LCB- Herr Schmidt went down on his knees : p52.jpg -RCB- `` Rise , Herr Schmidt , '' said the king , taking him by the hand . `` A more honourable and chivalrous confession of an amiable weakness , if it is to be called a weakness , I never heard . Sir , you have been true to your honour and your prince , in face of what few men can bear , the chance of ridicule . There is no one here , I hope , but respects and will keep the secret of Herr Schmidt 's confession ? '' The assembled shopkeepers could scarcely refrain from tears . `` Long live King Prigio the Good ! '' they exclaimed , and vowed that everything should be kept dark . `` Indeed , sire , '' said the swordmaker , `` all the rest of us are bachelors . '' `` That is none the worse for my purpose gentlemen , '' said his Majesty ; `` but I trust that you will not long deprive me of sons and subjects worthy to succeed to such fathers . And now , if Herr Schmidt will kindly find his way to the buttery , where refreshments are ready , I shall have the pleasure of conducting you to the scene of your labours . ''
Thus speaking , the king , XXXXX another magnificent bow , led the way upstairs to a little turret-room , in a deserted part of the palace .
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