Authors:

...the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword." "...a ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is.

George R. R. Martin (2012). “George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and and A Dance with Dragons”, p.28, Bantam
...the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. ...a ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is.