the compromise

two of the king’s subjects are found brawling on the streets. they are taken to his court.

the first subject says to the king, “this individual threatened to break my legs!”

the king turns to the second subject, “is this true?” the second subject nods solemnly. the king then asks the first subject, “do you want your legs to be broken?” the first subject says, “obviously not!”

the king pauses to think. he reaches his conclusion. “very well,” he declares, “you may only break one leg.”