The Comprachicos had a genius for disfiguration which recommended them to state policy.

To disfigure is better than to kill.

There was, indeed, the Iron Mask, but that was a mighty measure.

Europe could not be peopled with iron masks, while deformed tumblers ran about the streets without creating any surprise.
Besides, the iron mask is removable; not so the mask of flesh.

You are masked for ever by your own flesh--what can be more ingenious?
The Comprachicos worked on man as the Chinese work on trees.