RUMANIA: Splendid Shilling

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Happy the man, who, void of cares and strife,

In silken or in leathern purse retains

A splendid shilling.

John Philips (1676-1708)

An unknown frugal Yorkshireman remembered Poet Philips' splendid shilling fortnight ago, and the Miltonic disasters that, according to ensuing stanzas, the lack of it entailed. Further he remembered that tousle-headed eight-year-old King Mihai of Rumania had just been given his first pair of long trousers (TIME, Oct. 28). To a Birmingham newspaper he sent a shiny new shilling piece and a note, addressed to the King of Rumania.

"It is our custom hereabouts," he wrote, "to put a shilling in the pockets of a boy's first long trousers to bring him luck and wealth. May it bring Rumania's handsome little king all the luck in the world, and any additional wealth that he may desire."

Last week the splendid shilling arrived in Bucharest, was duly deposited in the royal trousers. To London went a royal message:

"His Majesty King Mihai, and Princess Helene his mother, request the Rumanian legation in London to convey through the Birmingham newspaper their heartfelt appreciation for the unknown gentleman's kindly thought."