One day Frederick the Great conducted a tour of inspection of a prison in Berlin. While most prisoners approached the king, prostrating themselves and protesting their innocence, one man remained unusually silent. It was to this man that Frederick turned:

"You..."
"Yes?"
"Why are you here?"
"Armed robbery, Your Majesty."
"Are you guilty?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I deserve my punishment."

At this, Frederick summoned the warden. "Release this guilty wretch at once," he commanded. "I will not have him kept in this prison, where he will corrupt all of its innocent occupants."