A King visits a prison  

Consider the case of Frederick II, an 18th-century king of
Prussia. Frederick fancied himself an enlightened monarch, and
in some respects he was. On one occasion, he is supposed to have
interested himself in the conditions of a Berlin prison. He was
escorted through it so that he might speak to the prisoners.

One after the other, the prisoners fell to their knees before
him, bewailing their lot and, predictably, protesting their utter
innocence of all charges that had been brought against them.

Only one prisoner remained silent, and finally Frederick's
curiosity was aroused.

"You," he called. "You, there!"

The prisoner looked up. "Yes, your majesty?"

"Why are you here?"

"Armed robbery, your majesty."

"And are you guilty?"

"Entirely guilty, your majesty. I richly deserve my punishment."

At this Frederick rapped his cane sharply on the ground and said,
"Warden, release this guilty wretch at once. I will not have him
here in jail where by example he will corrupt all the splendid
innocent people who occupy it."