Trusty JohnOnce upon a time there was an old king who was so ill that he
thought to himself, “I am most likely on my death-bed.” Then
he said, “Send Trusty John to me.” Now Trusty John was his
favorite servant, and was so called because all his life he had
served him so faithfully. When he approached the bed the King
spake to him: “Most trusty John, I feel my end is drawing
near, and I could face it without a care were it not for my
son. He is still too young to decide everything for himself,
and unless you promise me to instruct him in all he should know,
and to be to him as a father, I shall not close my eyes in
peace.” Then Trusty John answered: “I will never desert
him, and will serve him faithfully, even though it should cost me
my life.” Then the old King said: “
