Page:The Mikado or the town of titipu.djvu/39

 with either boiling oil or melted lead. Come, come, don't fret— I'm not a bit angry.

(in abject terror). If your Majesty will accept our assurance, we had no idea—

Of course—

I knew nothing about it.

I wasn't there.

That's the pathetic part of it. Unfortunately, the fool of an Act says "compassing the death of the Heir Apparent." There's not a word about a mistake—

, and  No!

Or not knowing—

No!

Or having no notion—

No!

Or not being there—

No!

There should be, of course—

, and  Yes!

But there isn't.

, and  Oh!

That's the slovenly way in which these Acts are always drawn. However, cheer up, it'll be all right. I'll have it altered next session. Now, let's see about your execution— will after luncheon suit you? Can you wait till then?

, and  Oh, yes— we can wait till then!

Then we'll make it after luncheon.

I don't want any lunch.

I'm really very sorry for you all, but it's an unjust world, and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical performances.

See how the Fates their gifts allot. For A is happy— B is not. Yet B is worthy, I dare say, Of more prosperity than A! Is B more worthy? I should say He's worth a great deal more than A.

Yet A is happy! Oh, so happy! Laughing, Ha! ha! Chaffing, Ha! ha! Nectar quaffing, Ha! ha! ha! Ever joyous, ever gay, Happy, undeserving A!