Chapter 34 XXXIV THE EXECUTION

I'll take thee to the good green wood,

And make thine own hand choose the tree.

OLD BALLAD

"Now God be praised, that gave us the power of laughing, and making others laugh, and shame to the dull cur who scorns the office of a jester! Here is a joke, and that none of the brightest (though it might pass, since it has amused two Princes), whi