ncert books class 11 english snapshots chapter 5 · Section 4

The Tale of Melon City The Tale of Melon City He could not walk and could not see, So old (and therefore wise) was he — But in a quavering1 voice he said, ‘The culprit must be punished. Truly, the arch it was that banged The crown off, and it must be hanged’. To the scaffold the arch was led When suddenly a Councillor said — ‘How can we hang so shamefully What touched your head, Your Majesty?’ ‘True,’ mused the King. By now the crowd, Restless, was muttering aloud. The King perceived their mood and trembled And said to all who were assembled — ‘Let us postpone consideration Of finer points like guilt. The nation Wants a hanging. Hanged must be Someone, and that immediately.’ The noose was set up somewhat high. Each man was measured by and by. But only one man was so tall He fitted. One man. That was all. He was the King. His Majesty Was therefore hanged by Royal Decree. trembling platform for the execution of criminals -