'Hubert, is this true?' he said.
'Prince, these are your uncle's orders!' said Hubert with a shaking voice.
'Have you the heart to do it?' said Arthur piteously. 'Will you indeed burn out my eyes?'
'I must,' said Hubert; 'your uncle has sent two men to see that it is done.'
'O Hubert!' was all that Arthur could say.
'Better get it over quickly,' muttered Hubert to himself, and he called the executioners, who had been waiting outside the door.
'Send these men away, Hubert!' cried the boy. 'I will stay quite still, Hubert, I will not move if you will do it yourself; but I cannot bear the sight of these men.'
'You may go,' said Hubert to the executioners; 'I will call when I am ready for you.'
'Indeed,' said one of the men, who had pitied the boy, 'I am best pleased to be away from such a deed.'
But it was impossible for Hubert to burn out the eyes of his dear young prisoner; and it was impossible for Arthur not to beg for mercy.