Charles groaned on remarking the frightful change wrought in his personal appearance.
"Zounds! you have disfigured me most horribly," he cried.
"I have reluctantly obeyed your majesty's orders," replied Careless. "Here are love-locks enow for twenty fair dames," he added.
"Unluckily, there is not a single fair dame on whom to bestow them. Bid Dame Penderel burn them."
"Rather let me bid her keep them safely as a memorial for her children," rejoined Careless.
"As you will," said the king. "Now help me to take off my ornaments."
"Little did I think I should ever have this sad duty to perform, sire," observed Careless, as he knelt down to remove the garter from the king's knee.
"These are but badges of royalty, and can be easily replaced," said Charles. "A kingdom is not so easily got back."
With his attendant's aid he then divested himself of the blue riband, the George of diamonds, and all his ornaments.