An Italian, an American, and our own Santa were captured by the French for various crimes and are taken to the Guillotine. The executioner places the Italian on the block and asks if he has any last words.
The Italian replies, "I pray to the Virgin Mary that I may live."
They drop the blade. It stops a mere inch above the Italian's neck. Amazed, the French let him go.
Next, the American is put in position and asked if he has any final words.
He replies, "In the name of Jesus Christ, please have mercy." They drop the blade, and again it stops just an inch from the American's neck. In disbelief, they let him go free.
Then Santa is placed on the block, and they ask if he has any last words.
He says, "Yeah. You've got a knot in your rope."