If Benson's claim was allowed, the royal prerogative of saying one thing and meaning something else was in danger.
On hearing this argument, the king so far forgot himself as to cry, "Bravo, well said!" and to clap his hands, whereon all the courtiers shouted and threw up their hats.
The prince then said that whoever had killed the monster could, of course, tell where to find him, and could bring his hoofs.

He was ready to do this himself.

Was Mr.Benson equally ready?
On this being interpreted to him--for he did not speak Pantouflian--Benson grew pale with horror, but fell back on the proclamation.

He had brought the horns and tail, and so he must have the perquisites, and the Lady Molinda! The king's mind was so much confused by this time, that he determined to leave it to the Lady Molinda herself.
"Which of them will you have, my dear ?" he asked, in a kind voice.
But poor Molinda merely cried.

Then his majesty was almost _driven_ to say that he would give the reward to whoever produced the hoofs by that day week.