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KING BIZARRE AND PRINCE CHARMING
“Before dying," she added, casting down her eyes, “I
hope that Your Majesty will forgive me the box on the ear
which I gave you this morning in indiscreet zeal—”
“Enough,” said the king; “I forgive you. After all, a
throne and honor were well worth—what I received.”
‘Alas!’ said Pazza, “that 1s not all.”
"What!" exclaimed Charming, “is there anything more? "
“Oh, sire, what have you done?” cried the countess;
“my child 1s dying!"
“My Pazza, you must not die!" exclaimed the king.
“Speak, and be sure that I forgive in advance all you have
done. Alas! it is I that have need of forgiveness.”
“Sire, the little doctor who took the liberty of boxing
Your Majesty s ears—”’
“Was it you that sent him?” asked Charming, with a
frown.
"No, sire, I myself was he. Ah, what would I not have
done to save my king! It was I who, to save Your Majesty
from the traitorous knaves that surrounded you, took the
liberty of boxing your ears—’’
“Enough,” said Charming; “I forgive you, though the
lesson was a harsh one."
‘Alas! this is not all, " said Pazza.
“What, more?" cried the king, rising.
“Oh, aunt, I am dying!” exclaimed Pazza. By dint of
care, however, she was restored to life; and, turning her
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