Two kings

The king of Madagao, being engaged in a dispute with the king of Bornegascar, wrote him as follows:  “Before proceeding further in this matter I demand the recall of your minister from my capital.” Greatly enraged by this impossible demand, the king of Bornegascar replied: “I shall not recall my minister.  Moreover, if you do […]

The king of Madagao, being engaged in a dispute with the king of Bornegascar, wrote him as follows:  “Before proceeding further in this matter I demand the recall of your minister from my capital.”
Greatly enraged by this impossible demand, the king of Bornegascar replied: “I shall not recall my minister.  Moreover, if you do not immediately retract your demand I shall withdraw him!”
This threat so terrified the king of Madagao that in hastening to comply he fell over his own feet, breaking the Third Commandment.