`` Ah , Madam ! '' said the prince , `` you are forgiving -- '' `` For you are brave ! '' said Molinda , feeling : quite a respect for him . `` But neither your heart nor mine is ours to give . Since mine was another 's , I understand too well the feeling of yours ! Do not let us buy life at the price of happiness and honour . '' Then , turning to the king the prince said : `` Sir , is there no way but by death or marriage ? You say you can not keep half only of your promise ; and that , if I accept the reward , I must also unite myself with my unwilling cousin . Can not the whole proclamation be annulled , and will you consider the bargain void if I tear up this flimsy scroll ? '' And here the prince fluttered the cheque for # 1,000,000 in the air . For a moment the king was tempted ; but then he said to himself : `` Never mind , it 's only an extra penny on the income-tax . '' Then , `` Keep your dross , '' he shouted , meaning the million ; `` but let me keep my promise . To chapel at once , or -- '' and he pointed to the executioner . `` The word of a king of Pantouflia is sacred . '' `` And so is that of a crown prince , '' answered Prigio ; `` and mine is pledged to a lady . '' `` She shall be a mourning bride , '' cried the king savagely , `` unless '' -- here he paused for a moment -- `` unless you bring me back Alphohso and Enrico , safe and well ! '' The prince thought for the space of a flash of lightning . `` I accept the alternative , '' he said , `` if your majesty will grant me my conditions . '' `` Name them ! '' said the king .
`` Let me be transported to Gluckstein , left there unguarded , and XXXXX , in three days , I do not return with my brothers safe and well , your majesty shall be spared a cruel duty .
Since at by for if of on that unless with