However , the king shouted very loud , as he always did when he meant to be obeyed , and the prince sauntered slowly back again . `` Prigio ! '' said his majesty , `` where were you off to ? Do n't you remember that this is your wedding-day ? My proclamation offered , not only the money -LRB- which you have -RRB- , but the hand of the Lady Molinda , which the Court chaplain will presently make your own . I congratulate you , sir ; Molinda is a dear girl . '' `` I have the highest affection and esteem for my cousin , sir , '' said the prince , `` but -- '' `` I 'll never marry him ! '' cried poor Molinda , kneeling at the throne , where her streaming eyes and hair made a pretty and touching picture . `` Never ! I despise him ! '' -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 XXXXX select the Extreme Rigour of the Law .
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