Therewasapausenow，asortofwaitingsilencewhichTomcouldnotunderstand。HeglancedatLordHertford，whogavehimasign—
buthefailedtounderstandthatalso。ThereadyElizabethcametotherescuewithherusualeasygrace。Shemadereverenceandsaid：
’Haveweleaveoftheprince’sgracemybrothertogo？’
Tomsaid：
’Indeed，yourladyshipscanhavewhatsoeverofmetheywill，fortheasking；yetwouldIrathergivethemanyotherthingthatinmypoorpowerlieth，thanleavetotakethelightandblessingoftheirpresencehence。Giveyegoodden，andGodbewithye！’Thenhesmiledinwardlyatthethought，’’tisnotfornaughtIhavedweltbutamongprincesinmyreading，andtaughtmytonguesomeslighttrickoftheirbroideredandgraciousspeechwithal！’
Whentheillustriousmaidensweregone，Tomturnedwearilytohiskeepersandsaid：
’Mayitpleaseyourlordshipstograntmeleavetogointosomecornerandrestme！’
LordHertfordsaid：
’Sopleaseyourhighness，itisforyoutocommand，itisforustoobey。Thatthoushouldstrest，isindeedaneedfulthing，sincethoumustjourneytothecitypresently。’
Hetouchedabellandapageappeared，whowasorderedtodesirethepresenceofSirWilliamHerbert。Thisgentlemancamestraightway，andconductedTomtoaninnerapartment。Tom’sfirstmovementtherewastoreachforacupofwater；butasilk—and—velvetservitorseizedit，droppedupononeknee，andofferedittohimonagoldensalver。
Next，thetiredcaptivesatdownandwasgoingtotakeoffhisbuskins，timidlyaskingleavewithhiseye，butanothersilk—and—velvetdiscomforterwentdownuponhiskneesandtooktheofficefromhim。Hemadetwoorthreefurthereffortstohelphimself，butbeingpromptlyforestalledeachtime，hefinallygaveup，withasighofresignationandamurmured’Beshrewme，butImarveltheydonotrequiretobreatheformealso！’Slippered，andwrappedinasumptuousrobe，helaidhimselfdownatlasttorest，butnottosleep，forhisheadwastoofullofthoughtsandtheroomtoofullofpeople。Hecouldnotdismisstheformer，sotheystayed；hedidnotknowenoughtodismissthelatter，sotheystayedalso，tohisvastregret—andtheirs。
Tom’sdeparturehadlefthistwonobleguardiansalone。Theymusedawhile，withmuchheadshakingandwalkingthefloor，thenLordSt。
Johnsaid：
’Plainly，whatdostthouthink？’
’Plainly，then，this。Thekingisnearhisend，mynephewismad，madwillmountthethrone，andmadremain。GodprotectEngland，sinceshewillneedit！’
’Verilyitpromisethso，indeed。But……haveyounomisgivingsasto……asto……’
Thespeakerhesitated，andfinallystopped。Heevidentlyfeltthathewasupondelicateground。LordHertfordstoppedbeforehim，lookedintohisfacewithaclear，frankeye，andsaid：
’Speakon—thereisnonetohearbutme。Misgivingsastowhat？’
’Iamloathtowordthethingthatisinmymind，andthousoneartohiminblood，mylord。ButcravingpardonifIdooffend，seemethitnotstrangethatmadnesscouldsochangehisportandmanner！—
notbutthathisportandspeechareprincelystill，butthattheydifferinoneunweightytrifleoranother，fromwhathiscustomwasaforetime。Seemethitnotstrangethatmadnessshouldfilchfromhismemoryhisfather’sverylineaments；thecustomsandobservancesthatarehisduefromsuchasbeabouthim；and，leavinghimhisLatin，striphimofhisGreekandFrench？Mylord，benotoffended，buteasemymindofitsdisquietandreceivemygratefulthanks。Ithauntethme，hissayinghewasnottheprince，andso—’
’Peace，mylord，thouutteresttreason！Hastforgottheking’scommand？RememberIampartytothycrime，ifIbutlisten。’
St。Johnpaled，andhastenedtosay：
’Iwasinfault，Idoconfessit。Betraymenot，grantmethisgraceoutofthycourtesy，andIwillneitherthinknorspeakofthisthingmore。Dealnothardlywithme，sir，elseamIruined。’
’Iamcontent，mylord。Sothouoffendnotagain，hereorintheearsofothers，itshallbeasthoughthouhadstnotspoken。Butthouneedstnothavemisgivings。Heismysister’sson；arenothisvoice，hisface，hisform，familiartomefromhiscradle？Madnesscandoalltheoddconflictingthingsthouseestinhim，andmore。DostnotrecallhowthattheoldBaronMarley，beingmad，forgotthefavorofhisowncountenancethathehadknownforsixtyyears，andhelditwasanother’s；nay，evenclaimedhewasthesonofMaryMagdalene，andthathisheadwasmadeofSpanishglass；andsoothtosay，hesufferednonetotouchit，lestbymischancesomeheedlesshandmightshiverit。Givethymisgivingseasement，goodmylord。Thisistheveryprince，Iknowhimwell—andsoonwillbethyking；itmayadvantagetheetobearthisinmindandmoredwelluponitthantheother。’
Aftersomefurthertalk，inwhichtheLordSt。Johncovereduphismistakeaswellashecouldbyrepeatedproteststhathisfaithwasthoroughlygroundednow，andcouldnotbeassailedbydoubtsagain，theLordHertfordrelievedhisfellow—keeper，andsatdowntokeepwatchandwardalone。Hewassoondeepinmeditation。Andevidentlythelongerhethought，themorehewasbothered。Byandbyhebegantopacethefloorandmutter。
’Tush，hemustbetheprince！Willanyheinallthelandmaintaintherecanbetwo，notofonebloodandbirth，somarvelouslytwinned？Andevenwereitso，’twereyetastrangermiraclethatchanceshouldcasttheoneintotheother’splace。Nay，’tisfolly，folly，folly！’
Presentlyhesaid：
’Nowwereheimpostorandcalledhimselfprince，lookyouthatwouldbenatural；thatwouldbereasonable。Butlivedeveranimpostoryet，who，beingcalledprincebytheking，princebythecourt，princebyall，deniedhisdignityandpleadedagainsthisexaltation？No！
BythesoulofSt。Swithin，no！Thisisthetrueprince，gonemad！’
CHAPTERVII
Tom’sFirstRoyalDinnerSOMEWHATafteroneintheafternoon，Tomresignedlyunderwenttheordealofbeingdressedfordinner。Hefoundhimselfasfinelyclothedasbefore，buteverythingdifferent，everythingchanged，fromhisrufftohisstockings。Hewaspresentlyconductedwithmuchstatetoaspaciousandornateapartment，whereatablewasalreadysetforone。Itsfurniturewasallofmassygold，andbeautifiedwithdesignswhichwell—nighmadeitpriceless，sincetheyweretheworkofBenvenuto。Theroomwashalffilledwithnobleservitors。A
chaplainsaidgrace，andTomwasabouttofallto，forhungerhadlongbeenconstitutionalwithhim，butwasinterruptedbymylordtheEarlofBerkeley，whofastenedanapkinabouthisneck；forthegreatpostofDiapererstothePrinceofWaleswashereditaryinthisnobleman’sfamily。Tom’scupbearerwaspresent，andforestalledallhisattemptstohelphimselftowine。TheTastertohisHighnessthePrinceofWaleswastherealso，preparedtotasteanysuspiciousdishuponrequirement，andruntheriskofbeingpoisoned。Hewasonlyanornamentalappendageatthistime，andwasseldomcalledtoexercisehisfunction；buttherehadbeentimes，notmanygenerationspast，whentheofficeoftasterhaditsperils，andwasnotagrandeurtobedesired。Whytheydidnotuseadogoraplumberseemsstrange；butallthewaysofroyaltyarestrange。MyLordd’Arcy，FirstGroomoftheChamber，wasthere，todogoodnessknowswhat；buttherehewas—letthatsuffice。TheLordChiefButlerwasthere，andstoodbehindTom’schairoverseeingthesolemnities，undercommandoftheLordGreatStewardandtheLordHeadCook，whostoodnear。Tomhadthreehundredandeighty—fourservantsbesidesthese；buttheywerenotallinthatroom，ofcourse，northequarterofthem；neitherwasTomawareyetthattheyexisted。
Allthosethatwerepresenthadbeenwelldrilledwithinthehourtorememberthattheprincewastemporarilyoutofhishead，andtobecarefultoshownosurpriseathisvagaries。These’vagaries’weresoononexhibitionbeforethem；buttheyonlymovedtheircompassionandtheirsorrow，nottheirmirth。Itwasaheavyafflictiontothemtoseethebelovedprincesostricken。
PoorTomatewithhisfingersmainly；butnoonesmiledatit，orevenseemedtoobserveit。Heinspectedhisnapkincuriouslyandwithdeepinterest，foritwasofaverydaintyandbeautifulfabric，thensaidwithsimplicity：
’Prithee，takeitaway，lestinmineunheedfulnessitbesoiled。’
TheHereditaryDiaperertookitawaywithreverentmanner，andwithoutwordorprotestofanysort。
Tomexaminedtheturnipsandthelettucewithinterest，andaskedwhattheywere，andiftheyweretobeeaten；foritwasonlyrecentlythatmenhadbeguntoraisethesethingsinEnglandinplaceofimportingthemasluxuriesfromHolland。*（4）Hisquestionwasansweredwithgraverespect，andnosurprisemanifested。Whenhehadfinishedhisdessert，hefilledhispocketswithnuts；butnobodyappearedtobeawareofit，ordisturbedbyit。Butthenextmomenthewashimselfdisturbedbyit，andshoweddiscomposure；forthiswastheonlyservicehehadbeenpermittedtodowithhisownhandsduringthemeal，andhedidnotdoubtthathehaddoneamostimproperandunprincelything。Atthatmomentthemusclesofhisnosebegantotwitch，andtheendofthatorgantoliftandwrinkle。Thiscontinued，andTombegantoevinceagrowingdistress。Helookedappealingly，firstatoneandthenanotherofthelordsabouthim，andtearscameintohiseyes。Theysprangforwardwithdismayintheirfaces，andbeggedtoknowhistrouble。Tomsaidwithgenuineanguish：
’Icraveyourindulgence；mynoseitchethcruelly。Whatisthecustomandusageinthisemergence？Pritheespeed，for’tisbutalittletimethatIcanbearit。’
Nonesmiled；butallweresoreperplexed，andlookedonetotheotherindeeptribulationforcounsel。But，behold，herewasadeadwall，andnothinginEnglishhistorytotellhowtogetoverit。TheMasterofCeremonieswasnotpresent；therewasnoonewhofeltsafetoventureuponthisunchartedsea，orrisktheattempttosolvethissolemnproblem。Alas！therewasnoHereditaryScratcher。Meantimethetearshadoverflowedtheirbanks，andbeguntotrickledownTom’scheeks。Histwitchingnosewaspleadingmoreurgentlythaneverforrelief。Atlastnaturebrokedownthebarriersofetiquette；Tomliftedupaninwardprayerforpardonifhewasdoingwrong，andbroughtrelieftotheburdenedheartsofhiscourtbyscratchinghisnosehimself。
Hismealbeingended，alordcameandheldbeforehimabroad，shallow，goldendishwithfragrantrose—waterinit，tocleansehismouthandfingerswith；andmylordtheHereditaryDiapererstoodbywithanapkinforhisuse。Tomgazedatthedishapuzzledmomentortwo，thenraisedittohislips，andgravelytookadraught。Thenhereturnedittothewaitinglord，andsaid：
’Nay，itlikesmenot，mylord；ithathaprettyflavor，butitwantethstrength。’
Thisneweccentricityoftheprince’sruinedmindmadealltheheartsabouthimache；butthesadsightmovednonetomerriment。
Tom’snextunconsciousblunderwastogetupandleavethetablejustwhenthechaplainhadtakenhisstandbehindhischairandwithupliftedhandsandclosedupliftedeyes，wasintheactofbeginningtheblessing。Stillnobodyseemedtoperceivethattheprincehaddoneathingunusual。
Byhisownrequest，oursmallfriendwasnowconductedtohisprivatecabinet，andlefttherealonetohisowndevices。Hanginguponhooksintheoakenwainscotingweretheseveralpiecesofasuitofshiningsteelarmor，coveredalloverwithbeautifuldesignsexquisitelyinlaidingold。Thismartialpanoplybelongedtothetrueprince—arecentpresentfromMadamParr，thequeen。Tomputonthegreaves，thegauntlets，theplumedhelmet，andsuchotherpiecesashecoulddonwithoutassistance，andforawhilewasmindedtocallforhelpandcompletethematter，butbethoughthimofthenutshehadbroughtawayfromdinner，andthejoyitwouldbetoeatthemwithnocrowdtoeyehim，andnoGrandHereditariestopesterhimwithundesiredservices；soherestoredtheprettythingstotheirseveralplaces，andsoonwascrackingnuts，andfeelingalmostnaturallyhappyforthefirsttimesinceGodforhissinshadmadehimaprince。Whenthenutswereallgone，hestumbleduponsomeinvitingbooksinacloset，amongthemoneabouttheetiquetteoftheEnglishcourt。Thiswasaprize。Helaydownuponasumptuousdivan，andproceededtoinstructhimselfwithhonestzeal。Letusleavehimthereforthepresent。
CHAPTERVIII
TheQuestionoftheSealABOUTfiveo’clockHenryVIIIawokeoutofanunrefreshingnap，andmutteredtohimself，’Troublousdreams，troublousdreams！Mineendisnowathand；sosaythesewarnings，andmyfailingpulsesdoconfirmit。’Presentlyawickedlightflamedupinhiseye，andhemuttered，’YetwillnotIdietillhegobefore。’
Hisattendantsperceivingthathewasawake，oneofthemaskedhispleasureconcerningtheLordChancellor，whowaswaitingwithout。
’Admithim，admithim！’exclaimedthekingeagerly。
TheLordChancellorentered，andkneltbytheking’scouch，saying：
’Ihavegivenorder，and，accordingtotheking’scommand，thepeersoftherealm，intheirrobes，donowstandatthebaroftheHouse，where，havingconfirmedtheDukeofNorfolk’sdoom，theyhumblywaithismajesty’sfurtherpleasureinthematter。’
Theking’sfacelitupwithafiercejoy。Saidhe：
’Liftmeup！InmineownpersonwillIgobeforemyParliament，andwithmineownhandwillIsealthewarrantthatridsmeof—’
Hisvoicefailed；anashenpallorswepttheflushfromhischeeks；
andtheattendantseasedhimbackuponhispillows，andhurriedlyassistedhimwithrestoratives。Presentlyhesaidsorrowfully：
’Alack，howhaveIlongedforthissweethour！andlo，toolateitcometh，andIamrobbedofthissocovetedchance。Butspeedye，speedye！letothersdothishappyofficesith’tisdeniedtome。Iputmygreatsealincommission：choosethouthelordsthatshallcomposeit，andgetyetoyourwork。Speedye，man！Beforethesunshallriseandsetagain，bringmehisheadthatImayseeit。’
’Accordingtotheking’scommand，soshallitbe。Will’tpleaseyourmajestytoorderthattheSealbenowrestoredtome，sothatI
mayforthuponthebusiness？’
’TheSeal！WhokeepeththeSealbutthou？’
’Pleaseyourmajesty，youdidtakeitfrommetwodayssince，sayingitshouldnomoredoitsofficetillyourownroyalhandshoulduseitupontheDukeofNorfolk’swarrant。’
’Why，soinsoothIdid；Idorememberit……WhatdidIwithit！……Iamveryfeeble……Sooftthesedaysdothmymemoryplaythetraitorwithme……’Tisstrange，strange—’
Thekingdroppedintoinarticulatemumblings，shakinghisgrayheadweaklyfromtimetotime，andgropinglytryingtorecollectwhathehaddonewiththeSeal。AtlastmyLordHertfordventuredtokneelandofferinformation—
’Sire，ifthatImaybesobold，herebeseveralthatdorememberwithmehowthatyougavetheGreatSealintothehandsofhisHighnessthePrinceofWalestokeepagainstthedaythat—’
’True，mosttrue！’interruptedtheking。’Fetchit！Go：timeflieth！’
LordHertfordflewtoTom，butreturnedtothekingbeforeverylong，troubledandempty—handed。Hedeliveredhimselftothiseffect：
’Itgrievethme，mylordtheking，tobearsoheavyandunwelcometidings；butitisthewillofGodthattheprince’safflictionabidethstill，andhecannotrecalltomindthathereceivedtheSeal。SocameIquicklytoreport，thinkingitwerewasteofprecioustime，andlittleworthwithal，thatanyshouldattempttosearchthelongarrayofchambersandsaloonsthatbelonguntohisroyalhigh—’
Agroanfromthekinginterruptedmylordatthispoint。Afterawhilehismajestysaid，withadeepsadnessinhistone：
’Troublehimnomore，poorchild。ThehandofGodliethheavyuponhim，andmyheartgoethoutinlovingcompassionforhim，andsorrowthatImaynotbearhisburdenonmineownoldtrouble—weightedshoulders，andsobringhimpeace。’
Heclosedhiseyes，felltomumbling，andpresentlywassilent。
Afteratimeheopenedhiseyesagain，andgazedvacantlyarounduntilhisglanceresteduponthekneelingLordChancellor。Instantlyhisfaceflushedwithwrath：
’What，thouhereyet！BythegloryofGod，anthougettestnotaboutthattraitor’sbusiness，thymitershallhaveholidaythemorrowforlackofaheadtogracewithal！’
ThetremblingChancelloranswered：
’Goodyourmajesty，Icryyoumercy！IbutwaitedfortheSeal。’
’Man，hastlostthywits？ThesmallSealwhichaforetimeIwaswonttotakewithmeabroadliethinmytreasury。And，sincetheGreatSealhathflownaway，shallnotitsuffice？Hastlostthywits？
Begone！Andharkye—comenomoretillthoudobringhishead。’
ThepoorChancellorwasnotlonginremovinghimselffromthisdangerousvicinity；nordidthecommissionwastetimeingivingtheroyalassenttotheworkoftheslavishParliament，andappointingthemorrowforthebeheadingofthepremierpeerofEngland，thelucklessDukeofNorfolk。*（5）
CHAPTERIX
TheRiverPageantATnineintheeveningthewholevastriver—frontofthepalacewasblazingwithlight。Theriveritself，asfarastheeyecouldreachcityward，wassothicklycoveredwithwatermen’sboatsandwithpleasurebarges，allfringedwithcoloredlanterns，andgentlyagitatedbythewaves，thatitresembledaglowingandlimitlessgardenofflowersstirredtosoftmotionbysummerwinds。Thegrandterraceofstonestepsleadingdowntothewater，spaciousenoughtomassthearmyofaGermanprincipalityupon，wasapicturetosee，withitsranksofroyalhalberdiersinpolishedarmor，anditstroopsofbrilliantlycostumedservitorsflittingupanddown，andtoandfro，inthehurryofpreparation。
Presentlyacommandwasgiven，andimmediatelyalllivingcreaturesvanishedfromthesteps。Nowtheairwasheavywiththehushofsuspenseandexpectancy。Asfarasone’svisioncouldcarry，hemightseethemyriadsofpeopleintheboatsriseup，andshadetheireyesfromtheglareoflanternsandtorches，andgazetowardthepalace。
Afileoffortyorfiftystatebargesdrewuptothesteps。Theywererichlygilt，andtheirloftyprowsandsternswereelaboratelycarved。Someofthemweredecoratedwithbannersandstreamers；somewithcloth—of—goldandarrasembroideredwithcoatsofarms；otherswithsilkenflagsthathadnumberlesslittlesilverbellsfastenedtothem，whichshookouttinyshowersofjoyousmusicwheneverthebreezesflutteredthem；othersofyethigherpretensions，sincetheybelongedtonoblesintheprince’simmediateservice，hadtheirsidespicturesquelyfencedwithshieldsgorgeouslyemblazonedwitharmorialbearings。Eachstatebargewastowedbyatender。Besidestherowers，thesetenderscarriedeachanumberofmen—at—armsinglossyhelmetandbreastplate，andacompanyofmusicians。
Theadvance—guardoftheexpectedprocessionnowappearedinthegreatgateway，atroopofhalberdiers。’Theyweredressedinstripedhoseofblackandtawny，velvetcapsgracedatthesideswithsilverroses，anddoubletsofmurreyandbluecloth，embroideredonthefrontandbackwiththethreefeathers，theprince’sblazon，woveningold。Theirhalberdstaveswerecoveredwithcrimsonvelvet，fastenedwithgiltnails，andornamentedwithgoldtassels。Filingoffontherightandleft，theyformedtwolonglines，extendingfromthegatewayofthepalacetothewater’sedge。Athick，rayedclothorcarpetwasthenunfolded，andlaiddownbetweenthembyattendantsinthegold—and—crimsonliveriesoftheprince。Thisdone，aflourishoftrumpetsresoundedfromwithin。Alivelypreludearosefromthemusiciansonthewater；andtwousherswithwhitewandsmarchedwithaslowandstatelypacefromtheportal。Theywerefollowedbyanofficerbearingthecivicmace，afterwhomcameanothercarryingthecity’ssword；thenseveralsergeantsofthecityguard，intheirfullaccoutrements，andwithbadgesontheirsleeves；thentheGarterking—at—arms，inhistabard；thenseveralknightsoftheBath，eachwithawhitelaceonhissleeve；thentheiresquires；
thenthejudges，intheirrobesofscarletandcoifs；thentheLordHighChancellorofEngland，inarobeofscarlet，openbefore，andpurfledwithminever；thenadeputationofaldermen，intheirscarletcloaks；andthentheheadsofthedifferentciviccompanies，intheirrobesofstate。NowcametwelveFrenchgentlemen，insplendidhabiliments，consistingofpourpointsofwhitedamaskbarredwithgold，shortmantlesofcrimsonvelvetlinedwithviolettaffeta，andcarnation—coloredhauts—de—chausses，andtooktheirwaydownthesteps。TheywereofthesuiteoftheFrenchambassador，andwerefollowedbytwelvecavaliersofthesuiteoftheSpanishambassador，clothedinblackvelvet，unrelievedbyanyornament。FollowingthesecameseveralgreatEnglishnobleswiththeirattendants。’
Therewasaflourishoftrumpetswithin；andtheprince’suncle，thefuturegreatDukeofSomerset，emergedfromthegateway，arrayedina’doubletofblackcloth—of—gold，andacloakofcrimsonsatinfloweredwithgold，andribandedwithnetsofsilver。’Heturned，doffedhisplumedcap，benthisbodyinalowreverence，andbegantostepbackward，bowingateachstep。Aprolongedtrumpet—blastfollowed，andaproclamation，’Wayforthehighandmighty，theLordEdward，PrinceofWales！’Highaloftonthepalacewallsalonglineofredtonguesofflameleapedforthwithathunder—crash；themassedworldontheriverburstintoamightyroarofwelcome；andTomCanty，thecauseandheroofitall，steppedintoview，andslightlybowedhisprincelyhead。
Hewas’magnificentlyhabitedinadoubletofwhitesatin，withafront—pieceofpurplecloth—of—tissue，powderedwithdiamonds，andedgedwithermine。Overthisheworeamantleofwhitecloth—of—gold，pouncedwiththetriple—feathercrest，linedwithbluesatin，setwithpearlsandpreciousstones，andfastenedwithaclaspofbrilliants。AbouthisneckhungtheorderoftheGarter，andseveralprincelyforeignorders’；andwhereverlightfelluponhimjewelsrespondedwithablindingflash。O，TomCanty，borninahovel，bredintheguttersofLondon，familiarwithragsanddirtandmisery，whataspectacleisthis！
CHAPTERX
ThePrinceintheToilsWEleftJohnCantydraggingtherightfulprinceintoOffalCourt，withanoisyanddelightedmobathisheels。Therewasbutonepersoninitwhoofferedapleadingwordforthecaptive，andhewasnotheeded；hewashardlyevenheard，sogreatwastheturmoil。
Theprincecontinuedtostruggleforfreedom，andtorageagainstthetreatmenthewassuffering，untilJohnCantylostwhatlittlepatiencewasleftinhim，andraisedhisoakencudgelinasuddenfuryovertheprince’shead。Thesinglepleaderfortheladsprangtostoptheman’sarm，andtheblowdescendeduponhisownwrist。Cantyroaredout：
’Thou’ltmeddle，wiltthou？Thenhavethyreward。’
Hiscudgelcrasheddownuponthemeddler’shead；therewasagroan，adimformsanktothegroundamongthefeetofthecrowd，andthenextmomentitlaythereinthedarkalone。Themobpressedon，theirenjoymentnothingdisturbedbythisepisode。
PresentlytheprincefoundhimselfinJohnCanty’sabode，withthedoorclosedagainsttheoutsiders。Bythevaguelightofatallowcandlewhichwasthrustintoabottle，hemadeoutthemainfeaturesoftheloathsomeden，andalsooftheoccupantsofit。Twofrowsygirlsandamiddle—agedwomancoweredagainstthewallinonecorner，withtheaspectofanimalshabituatedtoharshusage，andexpectinganddreadingitnow。Fromanothercornerstoleawitheredhagwithstreaminggrayhairandmalignanteyes。JohnCantysaidtothisone：
’Tarry！There’sfinemummerieshere。Marthemnottillthou’stenjoyedthem；thenletthyhandbeheavyasthouwilt。Standforth，lad。Nowsaythyfooleryagain，anthou’stnotforgetit。Namethyname。Whoartthou？’
Theinsultedbloodmountedtothelittleprince’scheekoncemore，andheliftedasteadyandindignantgazetotheman’sface，andsaid：
’’Tisbutill—breedinginsuchasthoutocommandmetospeak。I
telltheenow，asItoldtheebefore，IamEdward，PrinceofWales，andnoneother。’
Thestunningsurpriseofthisreplynailedthehag’sfeettothefloorwhereshestood，andalmosttookherbreath。Shestaredattheprinceinstupidamazement，whichsoamusedherruffianlysonthatheburstintoaroaroflaughter。ButtheeffectuponTomCanty’smotherandsisterswasdifferent。Theirdreadofbodilyinjurygavewayatoncetodistressofadifferentsort。Theyranforwardwithwoeanddismayintheirfaces，exclaiming：
’Oh，poorTom，poorlad！’
Themotherfellonherkneesbeforetheprince，putherhandsuponhisshoulders，andgazedyearninglyintohisfacethroughherrisingtears。Thenshesaid：
’Oh，mypoorboy！thyfoolishreadinghathwroughtitswoefulworkatlast，andta’enthywitaway。Ah！whydidstthoucleavetoitwhenIsowarnedthee’gainstit？Thou’stbrokethymother’sheart。’
Theprincelookedintoherface，andsaidgently：
’Thysoniswellandhathnotlosthiswits，gooddame。Comfortthee；letmetothepalacewhereheis，andstraightwaywillthekingmyfatherrestorehimtothee。’
’Thekingthyfather！Oh，mychild！unsaythesewordsthatbefreightedwithdeathforthee，andruinforallthatbeneartothee。Shakeoffthisgruesomedream。Callbackthypoorwanderingmemory。Lookuponme。AmnotIthymotherthatborethee，andloveththee？’
Theprinceshookhishead，andreluctantlysaid：
’GodknowethIamloathtogrievethyheart；buttrulyhaveI
neverlookeduponthyfacebefore。’
Thewomansankbacktoasittingpostureonthefloor，and，coveringhereyeswithherhands，gavewaytoheartbrokensobsandwailings。
’Lettheshowgoon！’shoutedCanty。’What，Nan！what，Bet！
Mannerlesswenches！willyestandintheprince’spresence？Uponyourknees，yepauperscum，anddohimreverence！’
Hefollowedthiswithanotherhorse—laugh。Thegirlsbegantopleadtimidlyfortheirbrother；andNansaid：
’Anthouwiltbutlethimtobed，father，restandsleepwillhealhismadness；prithee，do。’
’Do，father，’saidBet；’heismorewornthanishiswont。
To—morrowwillhebehimselfagain，andwillbegwithdiligence，andcomenotemptyhomeagain。’
Thisremarksoberedthefather’sjoviality，andbroughthismindtobusiness。Heturnedangrilyupontheprince，andsaid：
’Themorrowmustwepaytwopenniestohimthatownsthishole；
twopenniesmarkye—allthismoneyforahalf—year’srent，elseoutofthiswego。Showwhatthou’stgatheredwiththylazybegging。’
Theprincesaid：
’Offendmenotwiththysordidmatters。ItelltheeagainIamtheking’sson。’
Asoundingblowupontheprince’sshoulderfromCanty’sbroadpalmsenthimstaggeringintogood—wifeCanty’sarms，whoclaspedhimtoherbreast，andshelteredhimfromapeltingrainofcuffsandslapsbyinterposingherownperson。
Thefrightenedgirlsretreatedtotheircorner；butthegrandmothersteppedeagerlyforwardtoassistherson。TheprincesprangawayfromMrs。Canty，exclaiming：
’Thoushaltnotsufferforme，madam。Lettheseswinedotheirwilluponmealone。’
Thisspeechinfuriatedtheswinetosuchadegreethattheysetabouttheirworkwithoutwasteoftime。Betweenthemtheybelaboredtheboyrightsoundly，andthengavethegirlsandtheirmotherabeatingforshowingsympathyforthevictim。
’Now，’saidCanty，’tobed，allofye。Theentertainmenthastiredme。’
Thelightwasputout，andthefamilyretired。Assoonasthesnoringsoftheheadofthehouseandhismothershowedthattheywereasleep，theyounggirlscrepttowheretheprincelay，andcoveredhimtenderlyfromthecoldwithstrawandrags；andtheirmothercrepttohimalso，andstrokedhishair，andcriedoverhim，whisperingbrokenwordsofcomfortandcompassioninhisearthewhile。Shehadsavedamorselforhimtoeatalso；buttheboy’spainshadsweptawayallappetite—atleastforblackandtastelesscrusts。Hewastouchedbyherbraveandcostlydefenseofhim，andbyhercommiseration；andhethankedherinverynobleandprincelywords，andbeggedhertogotosleepandtrytoforgethersorrows。Andheaddedthatthekinghisfatherwouldnotletherloyalkindnessanddevotiongounrewarded。Thisreturntohis’madness’brokeherheartanew，andshestrainedhimtoherbreastagainandagainandthenwentback，drownedintears，toherbed。
Asshelaythinkingandmourning，thesuggestionbegantocreepintohermindthattherewasanundefinablesomethingaboutthisboythatwaslackinginTomCanty，madorsane。Shecouldnotdescribeit，shecouldnottelljustwhatitwas，andyethersharpmother—instinctseemedtodetectitandperceiveit。Whatiftheboywerereallynotherson，afterall？Oh，absurd！Shealmostsmiledattheidea，spiteofhergriefsandtroubles。Nomatter，shefoundthatitwasanideathatwouldnot’down’，butpersistedinhauntingher。Itpursuedher，itharassedher，itclungtoher，andrefusedtobeputawayorignored。Atlastsheperceivedthattherewasnotgoingtobeanypeaceforheruntilsheshoulddeviseatestthatshouldprove，dearlyandwithoutquestion，whetherthisladwashersonornot，andsobanishthesewearingandworryingdoubts。Ah，yes，thiswasplainlytherightwayoutofthedifficulty；therefore，shesetherwitstoworkatoncetocontrivethattest。Butitwasaneasierthingtoproposethantoaccomplish。Sheturnedoverinhermindonepromisingtestafteranother，butwasobligedtorelinquishthemall—noneofthemwereabsolutelysure，absolutelyperfect；andanimperfectonecouldnotsatisfyher。Evidentlyshewasrackingherheadinvain—itseemedmanifestthatshemustgivethematterup。
Whilethisdepressingthoughtwaspassingthroughhermind，herearcaughttheregularbreathingoftheboy，andsheknewhehadfallenasleep。Andwhileshelistened，themeasuredbreathingwasbrokenbyasoft，startledcry，suchasoneuttersinatroubleddream。Thischanceoccurrencefurnishedherinstantlywithaplanworthallherlaboredtestscombined。Sheatoncesetherselffeverishly，butnoiselessly，toworktorelighthercandle，mutteringtoherself，’HadIbutseenhimthen，Ishouldhaveknown！Sincethatday，whenhewaslittle，thatthepowderburstinhisface，hehathneverbeenstartledofasuddenoutofhisdreamsoroutofhisthinkings，buthehathcasthishandbeforehiseyes，evenashedidthatday，andnotasotherswoulddoit，withthepalminward，butalwayswiththepalmturnedoutward—Ihaveseenitahundredtimes，andithathnevervariednoreverfailed。Yes，Ishallsoonknownow！’
Bythistimeshehadcrepttotheslumberingboy’sside，withthecandleshadedinherhand。Shebentheedfullyandwarilyoverhim，scarcelybreathing，inhersuppressedexcitement，andsuddenlyflashedthelightinhisfaceandstruckthefloorbyhisearwithherknuckles。Thesleeper’seyessprungwideopen，andhecastastartledstareabouthim—buthemadenospecialmovementwithhishands。
Thepoorwomanwassmittenalmosthelplesswithsurpriseandgrief；butshecontrivedtohideheremotions，andtosoothetheboytosleepagain；thenshecreptapartandcommunedmiserablywithherselfuponthedisastrousresultofherexperiment。ShetriedtobelievethatherTom’smadnesshadbanishedthishabitualgestureofhis；butshecouldnotdoit。’No，’shesaid，’hishandsarenotmad，theycouldnotunlearnsooldahabitinsobriefatime。Oh，thisisaheavydayforme！’
Still，hopewasasstubbornnowasdoubthadbeenbefore；shecouldnotbringherselftoaccepttheverdictofthetest；shemusttrythethingagain—thefailuremusthavebeenonlyanaccident；soshestartledtheboyoutofhissleepasecondandathirdtime，atintervals—withthesameresultwhichhadmarkedthefirsttest—
thenshedraggedherselftobed，andfellsorrowfullyasleep，saying，’ButIcannotgivehimup—oh，no，Icannot—hemustbemyboy！’
Thepoormother’sinterruptionshavingceased，andtheprince’spainshavinggraduallylosttheirpowertodisturbhim，utterwearinessatlastsealedhiseyesinaprofoundandrestfulsleep。
Hourafterhourslippedaway，andstillhesleptlikethedead。Thusfourorfivehourspassed。Thenhisstuporbegantolighten。
Presently，whilehalfasleepandhalfawake，hemurmured：
’SirWilliam！’
Afteramoment：
’Ho，SirWilliamHerbert！Hietheehither，andlisttothestrangestdreamthatever……SirWilliam！Dosthear？Man，Ididthinkmechangedtoapauper，and……Hothere！Guards！SirWilliam！What！istherenogroomofthechamberinwaiting？Alackitshallgohardwith—’
’Whataileththee？’askedawhispernearhim。’Whoartthoucalling？’
’SirWilliamHerbert。Whoartthou？’
’I？WhoshouldIbe，butthysisterNan？Oh，Tom，Ihadforgot！
Tbou’rtmadyet—poorladthou’rtmadyet，wouldIhadneverwoketoknowitagain！But，prithee，masterthytongue，lestwebeallbeatentillwedie！’
Thestartledprincesprangpartlyup，butasharpreminderfromhisstiffenedbruisesbroughthimtohimself，andhesunkbackamonghisfoulstrawwithamoanandtheejaculation：
’Alas，itwasnodream，then！’
Inamomentalltheheavysorrowandmiserywhichsleephadbanishedwereuponhimagain，andherealizedthathewasnolongerapettedprinceinapalace，withtheadoringeyesofanationuponhim，butapauper，anoutcast，clothedinrags，prisonerinadenfitonlyforbeasts，andconsortingwithbeggarsandthieves。
Inthemidstofhisgriefhebegantobeconsciousofhilariousnoisesandshoutings，apparentlybutablockortwoaway。Thenextmomenttherewereseveralsharprapsatthedoor；JohnCantyceasedfromsnoringandsaid：
’Whoknocketh？Whatwiltthou？’
Avoiceanswered：
’Know’stthouwhoitwasthoulaidthycudgelon？’
’No。NeitherknowI，norcare。’
’Belikethou’ltchangethynoteeftsoons。Anthouwouldsavethyneck，nothingbutflightmaysteadthee。Themanisthismomentdeliveringuptheghost。’Tisthepriest，FatherAndrew！’
’God—a—mercy！’exclaimedCanty。Herousedhisfamily，andhoarselycommanded，’Upwithyeallandfly—orbidewhereyeareandperish！’
ScarcelyfiveminuteslatertheCantyhouseholdwereinthestreetandflyingfortheirlives。JohnCantyheldtheprincebythewrist，andhurriedhimalongthedarkway，givinghimthiscautioninalowvoice：
’Mindthytongue，thoumadfool，andspeaknotourname。Iwillchoosemeanewname，speedily，tothrowthelaw’sdogsoffthescent。
Mindthytongue，Itellthee！’
Hegrowledthesewordstotherestofthefamily：
’Ifitsochancethatwebeseparated，leteachmakeforLondonBridge；whosofindethhimselfasfarasthelastlinen—draper’sshoponthebridge，lethimtarrytheretilltheothersbecome，thenwillwefleeintoSouthwarktogether。’
Atthismomentthepartyburstsuddenlyoutofdarknessintolight；andnotonlyintolight，butintothemidstofamultitudeofsinging，dancing，andshoutingpeople，massedtogetherontheriver—frontage。Therewasalineofbonfiresstretchingasfarasonecouldsee，upanddowntheThames；LondonBridgewasilluminated；SouthwarkBridgelikewise；theentireriverwasaglowwiththeflashandsheenofcoloredlights，andconstantexplosionsoffireworksfilledtheskieswithanintricatecomminglingofshootingsplendorsandathickrainofdazzlingsparksthatalmostturnednightintoday；everywherewerecrowdsofrevelers；allLondonseemedtobeatlarge。
JohnCantydeliveredhimselfofafuriouscurseandcommandedaretreat；butitwastoolate。Heandhistribewereswallowedupinthatswarminghiveofhumanity，andhopelesslyseparatedfromeachotherinaninstant。Wearenotconsideringthattheprincewasoneofhistribe；Cantystillkepthisgripuponhim。Theprince’sheartwasbeatinghighwithhopesofescapenow。Aburlywaterman，considerablyexaltedwithliquor，foundhimselfrudelyshovedbyCantyinhiseffortstoplowthroughthecrowd；helaidhisgreathandonCanty’sshoulderandsaid：
’Nay，whithersofast，friend？Dostcankerthysoulwithsordidbusinesswhenallthatbelealmenandtruemakeholiday？’
’Mineaffairsaremineown，theyconcerntheenot，’answeredCanty，roughly；’takeawaythyhandandletmepass。’
’Siththatisthyhumor，thou’ltnotpasstillthou’stdrunktothePrinceofWales，Itelltheethat，’saidthewaterman，barringthewayresolutely。
’Givemethecup，then，andmakespeed，makespeed。’
Otherrevelerswereinterestedbythistime。Theycriedout：
’Theloving—cup，theloving—cup！makethesourknavedrinktheloving—cup，elsewillwefeedhimtothefishes。’
Soahugeloving—cupwasbrought；thewaterman，graspingitbyoneofitshandles，andwithhisotherhandbearinguptheendofanimaginarynapkin，presenteditindueandancientformtoCanty，whohadtograsptheoppositehandlewithoneofhishandsandtakeoffthelidwiththeother，accordingtoancientcustom。*（6）Thislefttheprincehand—freeforasecond，ofcourse。Hewastednotime，butdivedamongtheforestoflegsabouthimanddisappeared。Inanothermomenthecouldnothavebeenhardertofind，underthattossingseaoflife，ifitsbillowshadbeentheAtlantic’sandhealostsixpence。
Heverysoonrealizedthisfact，andstraightwaybusiedhimselfabouthisownaffairswithoutfurtherthoughtofJohnCanty。Hequicklyrealizedanotherthing，too。Towit，thataspuriousPrinceofWaleswasbeingfeastedbythecityinhisstead。Heeasilyconcludedthatthepauperlad，TomCanty，haddeliberatelytakenadvantageofhisstupendousopportunityandbecomeausurper。
Thereforetherewasbutonecoursetopursue—findhiswaytotheGuildhall，makehimselfknown，anddenouncetheimpostor。HealsomadeuphismindthatTomshouldbeallowedareasonabletimeforspiritualpreparation，andthenbehanged，drawn，andquartered，accordingtothelawandusageoftheday，incasesofhightreason。
CHAPTERXI
AtGuildhallTHEroyalbarge，attendedbyitsgorgeousfleet，tookitsstatelywaydowntheThamesthroughthewildernessofilluminatedboats。Theairwasladenwithmusic；theriver—bankswereberuffledwithjoy—flames；thedistantcitylayinasoftluminousglowfromitscountlessinvisiblebonfires；aboveitrosemanyaslenderspireintothesky，incrustedwithsparklinglights，whereforeintheirremotenesstheyseemedlikejeweledlancesthrustaloft；asthefleetsweptalong，itwasgreetedfromthebankswithacontinuoushoarseroarofcheersandtheceaselessflashandboomofartillery。
ToTomCanty，halfburiedinhissilkencushions，thesesoundsandthisspectaclewereawonderunspeakablysublimeandastonishing。Tohislittlefriendsathisside，thePrincessElizabethandtheLadyJaneGrey，theywerenothing。
ArrivedattheDowgate，thefleetwastowedupthelimpidWalbrook（whosechannelhasnowbeenfortwocenturiesburiedoutofsightunderacresofbuildings）toBucklersbury，pasthousesandunderbridgespopulouswithmerry—makersandbrilliantlylighted，andatlastcametoahaltinabasinwherenowisBargeYard，inthecenteroftheancientcityofLondon。Tomdisembarked，andheandhisgallantprocessioncrossedCheapsideandmadeashortmarchthroughtheOldJewryandBasinghallStreettotheGuildhall。
TomandhislittleladieswerereceivedwithdueceremonybytheLordMayorandtheFathersoftheCity，intheirgoldchainsandscarletrobesofstate，andconductedtoarichcanopyofstateattheheadofthegreathall，precededbyheraldsmakingproclamation，andbytheMaceandtheCitySword。ThelordsandladieswhoweretoattenduponTomandhistwosmallfriendstooktheirplacesbehindtheirchairs。
Atalowertablethecourtgrandeesandotherguestsofnobledegreewereseated，withthemagnatesofthecity；thecommonerstookplacesatamultitudeoftablesonthemainfloorofthehall。
Fromtheirloftyvantage—ground，thegiantsGogandMagog，theancientguardiansofthecity，contemplatedthespectaclebelowthemwitheyesgrownfamilartoitinforgottengenerations。Therewasabugle—blastandaproclamation，andafatbutlerappearedinahighperchintheleftwardwall，followedbyhisservitorsbearingwithimpressivesolemnityaroyalBaronofBeef，smokinghotandreadyfortheknife。
Aftergrace，Tom（beinginstructed）rose—andthewholehousewithhim—anddrankfromaportlygoldenloving—cupwiththePrincessElizabeth；fromheritpassedtotheLadyJane，andthentraversedthegeneralassemblage。Sothebanquetbegan。
Bymidnighttherevelrywasatitsheight。Nowcameoneofthosepicturesquespectaclessoadmiredinthatoldday。Adescriptionofitisstillextantinthequaintwordingofachroniclerwhowitnessedit：
’Spacebeingmade，presentlyenteredabaronandanearlappareledaftertheTurkishfashioninlongrobesofbawdkinpowderedwithgold；
hatsontheirheadsofcrimsonvelvet，withgreatrollsofgold，girdedwithtwoswords，calledsimitars，hangingbygreatbawdricksofgold。Nextcameyetanotherbaronandanotherearl，intwolonggownsofyellowsatin，traversedwithwhitesatin，andineverybendofwhitewasabendofcrimsonsatin，afterthefashionofRussia，withfurredhatsofgrayontheirheads；eitherofthemhavinganhatchetintheirhands，andbootswithpykes’（pointsafootlong），’turnedup。Andafterthemcameaknight，thentheLordHighAdmiral，andwithhimfivenobles，indoubletsofcrimsonvelvet，voydedlowonthebackandbeforetothecannel—bone，lacedonthebreastswithchainsofsilver；and，overthat，shortcloaksofcrimsonsatin，andontheirheadshatsafterthedancers’fashion，withpheasants’featherinthem。ThesewereappareledafterthefashionofPrussia。Thetorch—bearers，whichwereaboutanhundred，wereappareledincrimsonsatinandgreen，likeMoors，theirfacesblack。
Nextcameinamommarye。Thentheminstrels，whichweredisguised，danced；andthelordsandladiesdidwildlydancealso，thatitwasapleasuretobehold。’
AndwhileTom，inhishighseat，wasgazinguponthis’wild’
dancing，lostinadmirationofthedazzlingcomminglingofkaleidoscopiccolorswhichthewhirlingturmoilofgaudyfiguresbelowhimpresented，theraggedbutrealLittlePrinceofWaleswasproclaiminghisrightsandhiswrongs，denouncingtheimpostor，andclamoringforadmissionatthegatesofGuildhall！Thecrowdenjoyedthisepisodeprodigiously，andpressedforwardandcranedtheirneckstoseethesmallrioter。Presentlytheybegantotaunthimandmockathim，purposelytogoadhimintoahigherandstillmoreentertainingfury。Tearsofmortificationsprungtohiseyes，buthestoodhisgroundanddefiedthemobrightroyally。Othertauntsfollowed，addedmockingsstunghim，andheexclaimed：
’Itellyeagain，youpackofunmannerlycurs，IamthePrinceofWales！AndallforlornandfriendlessasIbe，withnonetogivemewordofgraceorhelpmeinmyneed，yetwillnotIbedrivenfrommyground，butwillmaintainit！’
’Thoughthoubeprinceornoprince’tisallone，thoube’stagallantlad，andnotfriendlessneither！HerestandIbythysidetoproveit；andmindItelltheethoumight’sthaveaworserfriendthanMilesHendonandyetnottirethylegswithseeking。Restthysmalljaw，mychild，Italkthelanguageofthesebasekennel—ratsliketoaverynative。’
ThespeakerwasasortofDonCaesardeBazanindress，aspect，andbearing。Hewastall，trim—built，muscular。Hisdoubletandtrunkswereofrichmaterial，butfadedandthreadbare，andtheirgold—laceadornmentsweresadlytarnished；hisruffwasrumpledanddamaged；theplumeinhisslouchedhatwasbrokenandhadabedraggledanddisreputablelook；athissideheworealongrapierinarustyironsheath；hisswaggeringcarriagemarkedhimatonceasarufflerofthecamp。Thespeechofthisfantasticfigurewasreceivedwithanexplosionofjeersandlaughter。Somecried，’’Tisanotherprinceindisguise！’’’Warethytongue，friend，belikeheisdangerous！’’Marry，helookethit—markhiseye！’’Plucktheladfromhim—tothehorse—pondwi’thecub！’
Instantlyahandwaslaidupontheprince，undertheimpulseofthishappythought；asinstantlythestranger’slongswordwasoutandthemeddlerwenttotheearthunderasoundingthumpwiththeflatofit。Thenextmomentascoreofvoicesshouted’Killthedog！killhim！killhim！’andthemobclosedinonthewarrior，whobackedhimselfagainstawallandbegantolayabouthimwithhislongweaponlikeamadman。Hisvictimssprawledthiswayandthat，butthemob—tidepouredovertheirprostrateformsanddasheditselfagainstthechampionwithundiminishedfury。Hismomentsseemednumbered，hisdestructioncertain，whensuddenlyatrumpet—blastsounded，avoiceshouted，’Wayfortheking’smessenger！’andatroopofhorsemencamechargingdownuponthemob，whofledoutofharm’sreachasfastastheirlegscouldcarrythem。Theboldstrangercaughtuptheprinceinhisarms，andwassoonfarawayfromdangerandthemultitude。
ReturnwewithintheGuildhall。Suddenly，highabovethejubilantroarandthunderoftherevel，broketheclearpealofabugle—note。Therewasinstantsilence—adeephush；thenasinglevoicerose—thatofthemessengerfromthepalace—andbegantopipeforthaproclamation，thewholemultitudestanding，listening。Theclosingwords，solemnlypronouncedwere：
’Thekingisdead！’
Thegreatassemblagebenttheirheadsupontheirbreastswithoneaccord；remainedso，inprofoundsilence，afewmoments，thenallsunkupontheirkneesinabody，stretchedouttheirhandstowardsTom，andamightyshoutburstforththatseemedtoshakethebuilding：
’Longlivetheking！’
PoorTom’sdazedeyeswanderedabroadoverthisstupefyingspectacle，andfinallyresteddreamilyuponthekneelingprincessesbesidehimamoment，thenupontheEarlofHertford。Asuddenpurposedawnedinhisface。Hesaid，inalowtone，atLordHertford’sear：
’Answermetruly，onthyfaithandhonor！UtteredIhereacommand，thewhichnonebutakingmightholdprivilegeandprerogativetoutter，wouldsuchcommandmentbeobeyed，andnoneriseuptosaymenay？’
’None，myliege，inalltheserealms。InthypersonbidesthemajestyofEngland。Thouarttheking—thywordislaw。’
Tomresponded，inastrong，earnestvoice，andwithgreatanimation：
’Thenshalltheking’slawbelawofmercy，fromthisday，andnevermorebelawofblood！Upfromthykneesandaway！TotheTowerandsaythekingdecreestheDukeofNorfolkshallnotdie！’*（7）
Thewordswerecaughtupandcarriedeagerlyfromliptolipfarandwideoverthehall，andasHertfordhurriedfromthepresence，anotherprodigiousshoutburstforth：
’Thereignofbloodisended！LongliveEdwardkingofEngland！’
CHAPTERXII
ThePrinceandhisDelivererASsoonasMilesHendonandthelittleprincewereclearofthemob，theystruckdownthroughbacklanesandalleystowardtheriver。TheirwaywasunobstructeduntiltheyapproachedLondonBridge；
thentheyplowedintothemultitudeagain，Hendonkeepingafastgripupontheprince’s—no，theking’s—wrist。Thetremendousnewswasalreadyabroad，andtheboylearneditfromathousandvoicesatonce—
’Thekingisdead！’Thetidingsstruckachilltotheheartofthepoorlittlewaif，andsentashudderthroughhisframe。Herealizedthegreatnessofhisloss，andwasfilledwithabittergrief；forthegrimtyrantwhohadbeensuchaterrortoothershadalwaysbeengentlewithhim。Thetearssprungtohiseyesandblurredallobjects。
Foraninstanthefelthimselfthemostforlorn，outcast，andforsakenofGod’screatures—thenanothercryshookthenightwithitsfar—reachingthunders：’LongliveKingEdwardtheSixth！’andthismadehiseyeskindle，andthrilledhimwithpridetohisfingers’
ends。’Ah，’hethought，’howgrandandstrangeitseems—IAMKING！’
OurfriendsthreadedtheirwayslowlythroughthethrongsupontheBridge。Thisstructure，whichhadstoodforsixhundredyears，andhadbeenanoisyandpopulousthoroughfareallthattime，wasacuriousaffair，foracloselypackedrankofstoresandshops，withfamilyquartersoverhead，stretchedalongbothsidesofit，fromonebankoftherivertotheother。TheBridgewasasortoftowntoitself；ithaditsinn，itsbeerhouses，itsbakeries，itshaberdasheries，itsfoodmarkets，itsmanufacturingindustries，andevenitschurch。Itlookeduponthetwoneighborswhichitlinkedtogether—LondonandSouthwark—asbeingwellenough，assuburbs，butnototherwiseparticularlyimportant。Itwasaclosecorporation，sotospeak；itwasanarrowtown，ofasinglestreetafifthofamilelong，itspopulationwasbutavillagepopulation，andeverybodyinitknewallhisfellow—townsmenintimately，andhadknowntheirfathersandmothersbeforethem—andalltheirlittlefamilyaffairsintothebargain。Ithaditsaristocracy，ofcourse—itsfineoldfamiliesofbutchers，andbakers，andwhatnot，whohadoccupiedthesameoldpremisesforfiveorsixhundredyears，andknewthegreathistoryoftheBridgefrombeginningtoend，andallitsstrangelegends；
andwhoalwaystalkedbridgytalk，andthoughtbridgythoughts，andliedinalong，level，direct，substantialbridgyway。Itwasjustthesortofpopulationtobenarrowandignorantandself—conceited。
ChildrenwerebornontheBridge，wererearedthere，grewtooldageandfinallydiedwithouteverhavingsetafootuponanypartoftheworldbutLondonBridgealone。Suchpeoplewouldnaturallyimaginethatthemightyandinterminableprocessionwhichmovedthroughitsstreetnightandday，withitsconfusedroarofshoutsandcries，itsneighingsandbellowingsandbleatingsanditsmuffledthunder—tramp，wastheonegreatthinginthisworld，andthemselvessomehowtheproprietorsofit。Andsotheywereineffect—atleasttheycouldexhibititfromtheirwindows，anddid—foraconsideration—wheneverareturningkingorherogaveitafleetingsplendor，fortherewasnoplacelikeitforaffordingalong，straight，uninterruptedviewofmarchingcolumns。
MenbornandrearedupontheBridgefoundlifeunendurablydullandinaneelsewhere。HistorytellsofoneofthesewholefttheBridgeattheageofseventy—oneandretiredtothecountry。Buthecouldonlyfretandtossinhisbed；hecouldnotgotosleep，thedeepstillnesswassopainful，soawful，sooppressive。Whenhewaswornoutwithit，atlast，hefledbacktohisoldhome，aleanandhaggardspecter，andfellpeacefullytorestandpleasantdreamsunderthelullingmusicofthelashingwatersandtheboomandcrashandthunderofLondonBridge。
Inthetimesofwhichwearewriting，theBridgefurnished’objectlessons’inEnglishhistory，foritschildren—namely，thelividanddecayingheadsofrenownedmenimpaleduponironspikesatopofitsgateways。Butwedigress。
Hendon’slodgingswereinthelittleinnontheBridge。Ashenearedthedoorwithhissmallfriend，aroughvoicesaid：
’So，thou’rtcomeatlast！Thou’ltnotescapeagain。Iwarrantthee；andifpoundingthybonestoapuddingcanteachtheesomewhat，thou’ltnotkeepuswaitinganothertime，mayhap’—andJohnCantyputouthishandtoseizetheboy。
MilesHendonsteppedintheway，andsaid：
’Nottoofast，friend。Thouartneedlesslyrough，methinks。Whatistheladtothee？’
’Ifitbeanybusinessofthinetomakeandmeddleinothers’
affairs，heismyson。’
’’Tisalie！’criedthelittleking，hotly。
’Boldlysaid，andIbelievethee，whetherthysmallhead—piecebesoundorcracked，myboy。Butwhetherthisscurvyruffianbethyfatherorno，’tisallone，heshallnothavetheetobeattheeandabuse，accordingtohisthreat，sothouprefertoabidewithme。’
’Ido，Ido—Iknowhimnot，Iloathehim，andwilldiebeforeI
willgowithhim。’
’Then’tissettled，andthereisnaughtmoretosay。’
’Wewillsee，astothat！’exclaimedJohnCanty，stridingpastHendontogetattheboy；’byforceshallhe—’
’Ifthoudobuttouchhim，thouanimatedoffal，Iwillspittheelikeagoose！’saidHendon，barringthewayandlayinghishanduponhissword—hilt。Cantydrewback。’Nowmarkye，’continuedHendon，’I
tookthisladundermyprotectionwhenamobsuchasthouwouldhavemishandledhim，mayhapkilledhim；dostimagineIwilldeserthimnowtoaworserfate？—forwhetherthouarthisfatherorno—andsoothtosay，Ithinkitisalie—adecentswiftdeathwerebetterforsuchaladthanlifeinsuchbrutehandsasthine。Sogothyways，andsetquickaboutit，forIlikenotmuchbandyingofwords，beingnotoverpatientinmynature。’
JohnCantymovedoff，mutteringthreatsandcurses，andwasswallowedfromsightinthecrowd。Hendonascendedthreeflightsofstairstohisroom，withhischarge，afterorderingamealtobesentthither。Itwasapoorapartment，withashabbybedandsomeoddsandendsofoldfurnitureinit，andwasvaguelylightedbyacoupleofsicklycandles。Thelittlekingdraggedhimselftothebedandlaydownuponit，almostexhaustedwithhungerandfatigue。Hehadbeenonhisfeetagoodpartofadayandanight，foritwasnowtwoorthreeo’clockinthemorning，andhadeatennothingmeantime。
Hemurmureddrowsily：
’Prithee，callmewhenthetableisspread，’andsunkintoadeepsleepimmediately。
AsmiletwinkledinHendon’seye，andhesaidtohimself：
’Bythemass，thelittlebeggartakestoone’squartersandusurpsone’sbedwithasnaturalandeasyagraceasifheownedthem—withneveraby—your—leaveorso—please—it—you，oranythingofthesort。InhisdiseasedravingshecalledhimselfthePrinceofWales，andbravelydothhekeepupthecharacter。Poorlittlefriendlessrat，doubtlesshismindhasbeendisorderedwithillusage。Well，Iwillbehisfriend；Ihavesavedhim，anditdrawethmestronglytohim；
alreadyIlovethebold—tonguedlittlerascal。Howsoldierlikehefacedthesmuttyrabbleandflungbackhishighdefiance！Andwhatacomely，sweetandgentlefacehehath，nowthatsleephathconjuredawayitstroublesanditsgriefs。Iwillteachhim，Iwillcurehismalady；yea，Iwillbehiselderbrother，andcareforhimandwatchoverhim；andwhosowouldshamehimordohimhurt，mayorderhisshroud，forthoughIbeburntforitheshallneedit！’
Hebentovertheboyandcontemplatedhimwithkindandpityinginterest，tappingtheyoungcheektenderlyandsmoothingbackthetangledcurlswithhisgreatbrownhand。Aslightshiverpassedovertheboy’sform。Hendonmuttered：
’See，now，howlikeamanitwastolethimliehereuncoveredandfillhisbodywithdeadlyrheums。NowwhatshallIdo？’Twillwakehimtotakehimupandputhimwithinthebed，andhesorelyneedethsleep。’
Helookedaboutforextracovering，butfindingnone，doffedhisdoubletandwrappedtheladinit，saying，’Iamusedtonippingairandscantapparel，’tislittleIshallmindthecold’—thenwalkedupanddowntheroomtokeephisbloodinmotion，soliloquizingasbefore。
’HisinjuredmindpersuadeshimheisPrinceofWales；’twillbeoddtohaveaPrinceofWalesstillwithus，nowthathethatwastheprinceisprincenomore，butking—forthispoormindissetupontheonefantasy，andwillnotreasonoutthatnowitshouldcastbytheprinceandcallitselftheking……Ifmyfatherlivethstill，afterthesesevenyearsthatIhaveheardnaughtfromhomeinmyforeigndungeon，hewillwelcomethepoorladandgivehimgenerousshelterformysake；sowillmygoodelderbrother，Arthur；myotherbrother，Hugh—butIwillcrackhiscrown，anheinterfere，thefox—hearted，ill—conditionedanimal！Yes，thitherwillwefare—andstraightway，too。’
Aservantenteredwithasmokingmeal，disposedituponasmalldealtable，placedthechairs，andtookhisdeparture，leavingsuchcheaplodgersasthesetowaituponthemselves。Thedoorslammedafterhim，andthenoisewoketheboy，whosprungtoasittingposture，andshotagladglanceabouthim；thenagrievedlookcameintohisfaceandhemurmuredtohimself，withadeepsigh，’Alack，itwasbutadream。Woeisme。’NexthenoticedMilesHendon’sdoublet—
glancedfromthattoHendon，comprehendedthesacrificethathadbeenmadeforhim，andsaid，gently：
’Thouartgoodtome，yes，thouartverygoodtome。Takeitandputiton—Ishallnotneeditmore。’
Thenhegotupandwalkedtothewashstandinthecorner，andstoodtherewaiting。Hendonsaidinacheeryvoice：
’We’llhavearightheartysupandbitenow，foreverythingissavoryandsmokinghot，andthatandthynaptogetherwillmaketheealittlemanagain，neverfear！’
Theboymadenoanswer，butbentasteadylook，thatwasfilledwithgravesurprise，andalsosomewhattouchedwithimpatience，uponthetallknightofthesword。Hendonwaspuzzled，andsaid：
’What’samiss？’