igenlode: The pirate sloop 'Horizon' from "Treasures of the Indies" (Default)
Igenlode Wordsmith ([personal profile] igenlode) wrote2025-11-08 06:18 pm
Entry tags:

A living wife

This performance made me laugh out loud (though I didn't realise until afterwards that it was supposed to be Baron Munchausen, which means that silliness can be expected).

The Baron is trying to get a priest to marry him to Marta, but unfortunately there seems to be some question as to whether he is already married or not.

Marta, innocently: The Baron definitely did have a wife, but she left him.

Baron: She ran away from me two years ago.

Priest, increasingly irritated: Frankly, Baron, in her place I would have done the same thing.

Baron: Hence why I am marrying Marta, and not you. :-P

Priest: Indeed... unfortunately, Baron, I am unable to help you in any way.

Baron: Why not?

Priest: Because in the existence of a living wife you cannot marry again.

Baron, hopefully: A living wife? You advise me to kill her? :-D

Priest, horrified at this interpretation: Dear God, Baron! May Heaven forbid!

Baron: But kings are allowed to divorce...

Priest: Ah, well, for kings there are special circumstances... It's in the nature of an exception.

Baron, hopefully: Ah-ha?

Priest: When it becomes necessary, as they say, for the continuation of the race.

Baron: For the continuation of the race? Oh, that requires something completely different!

He gives the Priest a meaningful look as the double-entendre sinks in :-p