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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 193
