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Rh But why should you not marry a bad Baronet of Ruddigore?

All baronets are bad; but was he worse than other baronets?

My child, he was accursed.

But who cursed him? Not you, I trust!

The curse is on all his line and has been, ever since the time of Sir Rupert, the first Baronet. Listen, and you shall hear the legend.

Once, on the village green, A palsied hag he roasted, And what took place, I ween, Shook his composure boasted, For, as the torture grim Seized on each withered limb, The writhing dame 'Mid fire and flame Yelled forth this curse on him:

"Each lord of Ruddigore, Despite his best endeavour, Shall do one crime, or more, Once, every day, for ever! Rh