Critical Reading For Exams / Short Reading Comprehension 29

Also the Emperor became more and more excited with curiosity, and with great suspense one awaited the hour,  when according to mask-law, each masked guest must make himself known. This moment came, but although all  other unmasked; the secret knight still refused to allow his features to be seen, till at last the Queen driven by cu-  riosity, and vexed at the obstinate refusal; commanded him to open his Vizier. He opened it, and none of the high  ladies and knights knew him. But from the crowded spectators, two officials advanced, who recognized the black  dancer, and horror and terror spread in the saloon, as they said who the supposed knight was. It was the executioner  of Bergen. But glowing with rage, the King commanded to seize the criminal and lead him to death, who had ven-  tured to dance, with the queen; so disgraced the Empress, and insulted the crown. The culpable threw himself at the Emperor, and said—  "Indeed I have heavily sinned against all noble guests assembled here, but most heavily against you my sover-  eign and my queen. The Queen is insulted by my haughtiness equal to treason, but no punishment even blood, will  not be able to wash out the disgrace, which you have suffered by me. Therefore oh King! allow me to propose a  remedy, to efface the shame, and to render it as if not done. Draw your sword and knight me, then I will throw down  my gauntlet, to everyone who dares to speak disrespectfully of my king.”