Frederic II, king of Prussia, once went to the fortress of Spandau, and visited the prison there. He questioned each convict, asking what was the crime for which they were being punished. Each and every prisoner declared themselves innocent of any misdeed whatsoever.

There was only one exception. Upon question, the man answered, "I did very wrong, your majesty. The punishment I am undergoing is not half of what I deserve."

"Then,” the king responded, with a twinkle in his eye, “you have no business here among all these innocent persons. Off with you at once!" At this, the man was immediately set free. See how much frankness and honesty are rewarded, even in this life.