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THE THREE CITRONS hempen cravat; others thought that the wretch should be thrown into the water with a stone to his neck. Beheading seemed to the old minister too mild a punishment for such a villain; he was in favor of flaying him alive, and all present applauded his humanity. When the negress’s turn came she approached without suspicion, and did not recognize the fairy. “Sire,” said 6 she, "a monster capable of injuring this charming creature deserves to be roasted alive in an oven, and to have his ashes thrown to the winds.” " You have pronounced your own sentence,” cried the king of the Vermilion Towers. ‘“‘Wretch, behold your victim and prepare to die. Leta funeral pile be built in the square in front of the castle. I will give my good people the pleasure of seeing a witch burn; it will occupy them for an hour or two." “Sire,” said the young fairy, taking the king’s hand, " Your Majesty surely will not refuse me a wedding gift?”’ “No, indeed, my child,” replied the old king. "Ask what you will; should it be my crown, I will gladly give it to you.” Sire,’ continued the fairy, “grant me this wretched creatures pardon. An ignorant and miserable slave, life has taught her nothing but hatred and malice; let me render her happy and teach her that the only happiness on earth consists in loving others." 135
