-LCB- Molinda before the King : p117.jpg -RCB- `` I was about to say , sir , '' the prince went on , `` that I can not 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 can not 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 . I am compelled , most unwillingly , to slight your charms , and to select the Extreme Rigour of the Law . Executioner , lead on ! Do your duty ; for me , Prigio est pret ; '' -- for this was his motto , and meant that he was ready . Poor Lady Molinda could not but be hurt by the prince 's preference for death over marriage to her , little as she liked him . -LCB- The family executioner : p119.jpg -RCB- `` Is life , then , so worthless ? and is Molinda so terrible a person that you prefer those arms , '' and she pointed to the gibbet , `` to these ? '' -- here she held out her own , which were very white , round and pretty : for Molinda was a good-hearted girl , she could not bear to see Prigio put to death ; and then , perhaps , she reflected that there are worse positions than the queenship of Pantouflia . For Alphonso was gone -- crying would not bring him back . `` Ah , Madam ! '' said the prince , `` you are forgiving -- '' `` For you are brave ! ''
said XXXXX , feeling quite a respect for him .
Alphonso King Law Molinda Molly Pantouflia Prigio discourtesy pret sire