Summary

This story commences with the description of a king who lived in "very olden times." He is described as being "semi-barbaric" despite the slight influence of more progressive Latin neighbors. The barbaric side of him is described as being large and exuberant, and not reined in. Due to his unfettered authority and totalitarianism, his fancies become fact. He needed to consult only with himself, and when he and himself agreed, the thing was done. He had a calm, pleasant nature both when things went his way and when they did not. He was even calmer and more pleasant when things did not go his way, as he derived great pleasure from bending things to how he felt that they should be.

The physical embodiment of the king's will was a public arena. The purpose of this arena was poetic justice incarnate---where...