It was morning at the palace; and, as was the custom, the king was sitting in judgement. Thanks to the morning heat, His Majesty was finding it difficult to stay awake.
"The next case!" the chamberlain called. Two peasants, clad in their least shabby clothes, hurried forward and prostrated themselves before the throne. The king barely acknowledged them.
"The facts of this case are," the chamberlain began. His droning monotone continued. The king started to doze and so waved a hand in front of his face, hoping to rouse himself.
"His Majesty has spoken!" the chamberlain shouted. "Let justice be done!"
