ask where it is going, and what is the aim
of its journey. It will reply, the next bush, the nearest tree, the
topmost bough of a weeping willow, which stands on a lonely grave; the
mast of a ship, sailing on the wide sea; or the branch of a noble beech,
waving before the window of a beautiful maiden. I am as incapable of
telling you the exact aim and end of our journey, friend, as that little
bird would be. We are as free as the birds of the air. Come! come! let
us fly, for see, the little sparrow has flown--let us follow it."

And with a beaming smile illuminating his countenance, like a ray of the
morning sun, the king took the arm of his friend, and followed by his
servant and cabinet-hussar, Deesen, left the pavilion.

As they stood at the little gate of the garden, the king said to Deesen,

"You must be for us the angel with the flaming sword, and open the gates
of paradise, but not to cast us out."

Deesen opened the gate, and our adventurers entered "the wide, wide
world."

"Let us stand here a few moments," said the king, as his glance rested
upon the green fields spread far and wide around him. "How great and
beautiful the world appears to-day! Observe Nature's grand silence, yet
the air is full of a thousand voices, and the white clouds wandering
dreamily in the blue heavens above, are they not the misty veils with
which the gods of Olympus conceal their charms?"

"Ah! sire," said Balby, with a loving glance at the king's hand some
face--"ah, sire, my eyes have no time to gaze at Nature's charms, they
are occupied with yourself. When I look upon you, I feel that man is
indeed made in the image of God."

"Were I a god, I should not be content to resemble this worn, faded
face. Come, now, let us be off! Give me your instrument, Deesen, I will
carry it. Now I look like a travelling apprentice seeking his fortune.
The world is all before him where to choose his place of rest, and
Providence his guide. I envy him. 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,