Ghip-Ghisizzle managed to shake his head. Then he said, "Really, ladies, you must excuse me. I'd rather be patched than mismatched, as I would be with a lovely, snub-nosed wife. You are too beautiful for me; go seek your husbands elsewhere."
"Monster!" cried Indigo. "If you choose me, I'll scratch your eyes out!"
"If you choose me," said Cobalt in a rage, "I'll tear out your hair by the roots!"
"If I am to be your wife," screamed Azure, "I'll mark your obstinate face with my fingernails!"
"And I," said Turquoise passionately, "will pound your head with a broomstick!"
"I'll shake him till his teeth rattle!" shrieked Sapphire.
"The best way to manage a husband," observed Cerulia angrily, "is to pull his nose."
"Ladies," said Ghip-Ghisizzle when he had a chance to speak, "do not anticipate these pleasures, I beg of you, for I shall choose none among you for a wife."
"We'll see about that," said Indigo.
"I think you will soon change your mind," added Azure.