"Never! I despise him!" {Molinda before the King: p117.jpg} "I was about to say, sir," the prince went on, "that I cannot possibly have the pleasure of wedding my cousin." "The family gibbet, I presume, is in good working order ?" asked the king of the family executioner, a tall gaunt man in black and scarlet, who was only employed in the case of members of the blood royal.
"Never better, sire," said the man, bowing with more courtliness than his profession indicated.
"Very well," said the king; "Prince Prigio, you have your choice.

_There_ is the gallows, _here_ is Lady Molinda.

My duty is painful, but clear.

A king's word cannot be broken.

Molly, or the gibbet!" The prince bowed respectfully to Lady Molinda: "Madam, my cousin," said he, "your clemency will excuse my answer, and you will not misinterpret the apparent discourtesy of my conduct.