Narration: The King delights in landscapes dotted with pillories and gallows, defending this predilection with the argument that his wretched subjects can be governed in no other way.

Narration: He would have served me in similar fashion upon my arrival there,

Narration: but soon discovered he was no match for me and so was seized with fear...

Narration: ...considering it only natural that, as he was unable to crush me, I should certainly crush him.

Narration: To placate me, he summoned his advisors and wise men, and they promptly wrote up a doctrine of tyranny for the occasion.

Narration: I was told that the worse things are, the more one longs for improvement and reform; consequently, he who makes life unbearable actually hastens the day of its perfection.

Narration: Now this harangue greatly pleased the King.