Final answer:
In George Bernard Shaw's play 'Pygmalion', Higgins hyperbolically claims that Eliza would face execution if her true identity were discovered by the King.
Step-by-step explanation:
In George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, Professor Henry Higgins claims that if the King discovers Eliza Doolittle is not truly a lady, the consequence would be execution. This statement by Higgins exaggerates the severity of the outcome to instill fear in Eliza and highlight the importance of her maintaining the facade of a duchess. This is part of Higgins's unconventional methods to transform Eliza from a flower girl into a lady fit for high society.