хочу - казню, хочу - милую

погов.

if I feel like it I can hang you, if not, I can grant you clemency

Впервые Пахомов находился в столь дурацком положении. Не он, а ему диктовали свою волю, хотят - казнят, хотят - помилуют. (В. Ерёменко, Слепой дождь) — It was the first time Stepan had found himself in such a foolish position. It was not he, but someone else who was dictating his will: if they felt like it they could hang him, if not, they could grant him clemency.