Innocent Prisoner

Prussian king Frederick the Great was once touring a Berlin prison. The prisoners fell on their knees before him to proclaim their innocence&md;except for one man, who remained silent. Frederick called to him, "Why are you here?"

"Armed robbery, Your Majesty," was the reply.

"And are you guilty?"

"Yes indeed, Your Majesty, I deserve my punishment."

Frederick then summoned the jailer and ordered him, "Release this guilty wretch at once. I will not have him kept in this prison where he will corrupt all the fine innocent people who occupy it."