I owe you a reward for your hearty friendship and your faithful services.

This is a princely gift.

Take it as a mark of my grateful regard.

That you may be convinced, Balby, that I have long been occupied in preparing this surprise for you, I inform you that these rich articles were made secretly for you in Berlin, by your tailor; I packed them myself, and brought them here for you.

Accept them, then, my friend, and wear them in memory of Frederick." With a solemn bow, the king offered Balby the clothes.
The colonel received this strange present with an astonished and somewhat confused countenance.
The king laughed merrily.