PATRICK OF IRELAND AND FREDERICK OF PRUSSIA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4011, 30 May 1884, Page 4

PATRICK OF IRELAND AND FREDERICK OF PRUSSIA.

Frederick of Prussia had a mania for onlisting , gigantic soldiers into the Boyal Guards, and paid an enormous houuty to his recruiting officers for getting them. One day a recruiting sergeant chanced to spy a Hibernian who was at least . 7i't high; ho accosted him in English, and proposed that he should enlist. The idea of a military life and a large bounty so delighted Patrick that ho'at once consented. " But," said the sergeant, "unless you can speak German the king Avill not give you so much." " Oh, be jabers !" said the Irishman ; " sure, it's I that don't know a word of German." "But," said the sergeant, " three words will be sufficient, and" these you can learn in a short time. The king knows every man in the guards. As soon as ho sees you, he will ride up and ask howold you are: yon will say '27;' next, how long have you been in the service ?: you must reply ' three weeks ;' finally, if you are provided with clothes and rations : yon answer ' both.' " Patrick soon learned to pronounce his answers, but never dreamed of learning the questions. In three weelcs he appeared before the king in review. His Majesty rode up to him: Paddy stepped forward with " present arms." " How old are you f'' said the king. '' Three weeks,''

said the Irishman. " How long have you been in the service?" asked his majesty. " Twenty-seven years." "Am lor you a fool ?" roared the king. "Both," replied Patrick, who was instantly taken to the guardroom.