"Then, for the first time in my life, I call a King a liar to his face; it is quite an amusing sensation."
"I am not a liar; but no matter, now listen to me. You are going to murder me----"
"Execute."
"Execute, then, if you will. What I wish to know is--how will it benefit you, will you be any the less destitute? No! whereas if you allow me to ransom myself----"
"Ransom yourself? Well, I should have to dictate the terms."
"Of course, what are they?"
"The remaining years of your life." He laughed. "Now I think that is enough; what message do you wish to send?"
"A hundred thousand pounds would make you very comfortable for the rest of your life."
"But not as comfortable as your death."
"Two hundred thousand and no questions asked, with absolute freedom."