Pratchett's explanation of power, privilege and poverty ought to be required reading for anyone studying politics or anyone wondering how it is that a few people (the same people from generation to generation) have more than they can spend, most people have very little and too many people have less than it takes to stay alive.

If the Engish didn't have a strong sense of irony, there'd be no monarchy. I'm sure the Queen smiled and as she considered which of the two of them was on his knees and what was standing over him with a sword.