eed have long since known, but which I in the
arrogance of youth have sometimes denied. I now feel that Socrates was a
wise man when he said, 'Our education begins with the first day of life,
nor is complete upon the last.' Fate has indeed placed me in a difficult
school, and I am conscious that I am far from possessing adequate
attainments, and that there is still much for me to study and digest.
Therefore, my friend, from you I demand aid, that I may study to some
purpose, and that I may at least take position in the world and among
posterity as a first-class scholar."

"Ah! most gracious sir," said Leuchtmar, smiling, "you are already more
than that, and have in these two years of trial passed your _examen
abiturientium_ with great distinction."

"And think you I am entered now as a student in the high school of
knowledge? Yes, Leuchtmar, such is indeed the case, and since it may well
be that at times I shall make false steps, and commit blunders through
inadvertence or misunderstanding, I demand of you to point out to me my
mistakes."

"But, your highness, I might myself be the one in error, and in my
short-sightedness attempt to teach one much better acquainted with the
subject than myself."

"In such case let us weigh and compare opinions, when, surely, we shall
discover the right. Only promise me this one thing, Leuchtmar, that on all
occasions you will speak the truth to me, according to the best of your
knowledge and perception--that you will not conceal it from me, even when
you may know that it will be irksome and disagreeable to me. Will you
promise me this, my friend?"

"I promise it. I promise, if your highness requests the expression of my
views and opinions, to give you the truth, according to the inmost
convictions of my heart."

"No, Leuchtmar, in important matters you must give me your opinion, even
when I have not asked for it."

"Well then, your highness, I promise that too."

"And on my side I promise always to listen patiently, and not to become
angry and excited, even when our opinions disagree and you utterly oppose
me. You smile and shake your head. Probably you think that I can not keep
my promise."

"I do think so, your highness; yet I fear not, and shall courageously
weather the storm. I am already old and have witnessed the gathering of
many a tempest, have seen the clouds burst, and afterward seen the bright
blue sky and cheerful sunshine again. I shall not fear, even though t