He is a free man!" "Truly, these poor apprentices would not believe that a king was envying them their fate," said Balby, laughing.
"Still they are to be envied," said the king, "for they are free.

No, no, at present I envy no one, the world and its sunshine belong to me.
We will go to Amsterdam, and enjoy the galleries and museums." "I thank your majesty," said Balby, laughing, "you have saved my life.
I should have died of curiosity if you had not spoken.

Now, I feel powerful and strong, and can keep pace with your majesty's wandering steps." Silently they walked on until they reached a sign-post.
"We are now on the border--let us bid farewell to the Prussian colors, we see them for the last time.

Sire, we will greet them with reverence." He took off his hat and bowed lowly before the black and white colors of Prussia, a greeting that Deesen imitated with the fervor of a patriot.
The king did not unite in their enthusiasm; he was writing with his stick upon the ground.
"Come here, Balby, and read this," he said, pointing to the lines he had traced.

"Can you read them ?" "Certainly," said Balby, "the words are, 'majesty' and 'sire.'" "So they are, friend.