The Tale of Melon City Vikram Seth In the city of which I sing There was a just and placid King. The King proclaimed an arch should be Constructed , that triumphally Would span the major thoroughfare To edify spectators there. The workmen went and built the thing. They did so since he was the King. The King rode down the thoroughfare To edify spectators there. Under the arch he lost his crown. The arch was built too low. A frown Appeared upon his placid face. The King said, ‘This is a disgrace . The chief of builders will be hanged.’ The rope and gallows were arranged. The chief of builders was led out. He passed the King. He gave a shout, ‘O King, it was the workmen’s fault’ ‘Oh!’ said the King, and called a halt To the proceedings . Being just (And placider now) he said, ‘I must Have all the workmen hanged instead.’ The workmen looked surprised, and said, ‘O King, you do not realise The bricks were made of the wrong size...