PREFACE
Iwillsetdownataleasitwastoldtomebyonewhohaditofhisfather，whichlatterhaditofhisfather，thislasthavinginlikemannerhaditofhisfather—andsoon，backandstillback，threehundredyearsandmore，thefatherstransmittingittothesonsandsopreservingit。Itmaybehistory，itmaybeonlylegend，atradition。Itmayhavehappened，itmaynothavehappened：butitcouldhavehappened。Itmaybethatthewiseandthelearnedbelieveditintheolddays；itmaybethatonlytheunlearnedandthesimpleloveditandcreditedit。
HughLatimer，BishopofWorcester，toLordCromwell，onthebirthofthePrinceofWales（afterwardEdwardVI）。
[FromtheNationalManuscriptspreservedbytheBritishGovernment]
Ryghthonorable，SaluteminChristoJesu，andSyrhereysnolessejoyngeandrejossyngeinthesparteesforthebyrthofourprynce，hoomwehungurdeforsolonge，thentherwas（Itrow），intervicinosattthebyrthofS。I。Baptyste，asthysberer，MasterErance，cantelleyou。Godegyffeusallegrace，toyeldedewthankestoourLordeGode，GodeofInglonde，forverelyHehatheshoydHymselffGodeofInglond，orratheranInglysshGode，yfweconsydyrandpondyrwellealleHysprocedyngeswithusfromtymetotyme。HehathovercummealleouryllnesswithHysexcedyngegoodnesse，sothatwearnowmoorthencompelledtoserveHym，sekeHysglory，promottHyswurde，yftheDevylleofalleDevyllesbenattinus。Wehavenowthestoppeofvaynetrustesandethesteyofvayneexpectations；lettusalleprayforhyspreservation。AndIformyparttwyllewysshthathysGraceallwayshave，andevynnowfromthebegynynge，Governares，Instructoresandoffyceresofryghtjugmente，neoptimumingeniumnonoptimaeducationedepravetur。
ButtwhattagrettfowlleamI！So，whattdevotioneshoythmanytymysbuttlytelledyscretione！AndethustheGodeofInglondebeeverwithyouinalleyourprocedynges。
The19ofOctober。
YoursH。L。b。ofWurcestere，nowattHartlebury。
Yfyouwoldeexcyttthysbereretobemoorehartyeayentheabuseofymagryormorforwardetopromottetheveryte，yttmyghtdoogoode。Nattthatyttcameofmebuttofyourselffe，&c。
Thequalityofmercy……
istwicebless’d；
Itblessethhimthatgives，andhimthattakes’Tismightiestinthemightiest：itbecomesThethronedmonarchbetterthanhiscrown。
MERCHANTOFVENICE
CHAPTERI
TheBirthofthePrinceandthePauperINtheancientcityofLondon，onacertainautumndayinthesecondquarterofthesixteenthcentury，aboywasborntoapoorfamilyofthenameofCanty，whodidnotwanthim。OnthesamedayanotherEnglishchildwasborntoarichfamilyofthenameofTudor，whodidwanthim。AllEnglandwantedhimtoo。Englandhadsolongedforhim，andhopedforhim，andprayedGodforhim，that，nowthathewasreallycome，thepeoplewentnearlymadforjoy。Mereacquaintanceshuggedandkissedeachotherandcried。Everybodytookaholiday，andhighandlow，richandpoor，feastedanddancedandsang，andgotverymellow；andtheykeptthisupfordaysandnightstogether。Byday，Londonwasasighttosee，withgaybannerswavingfromeverybalconyandhousetop，andsplendidpageantsmarchingalong。
Bynight，itwasagainasighttosee，withitsgreatbonfiresateverycorner，anditstroopsofrevelersmakingmerryaroundthem。
TherewasnotalkinallEnglandbutofthenewbaby，EdwardTudor，PrinceofWales，wholaylappedinsilksandsatins，unconsciousofallthisfuss，andnotknowingthatgreatlordsandladiesweretendinghimandwatchingoverhim—andnotcaring，either。Buttherewasnotalkabouttheotherbaby，TomCanty，lappedinhispoorrags，exceptamongthefamilyofpauperswhomhehadjustcometotroublewithhispresence。
CHAPTERII
Tom’sEarlyLifeLETusskipanumberofyears。
Londonwasfifteenhundredyearsold，andwasagreattown—forthatday。Ithadahundredthousandinhabitants—somethinkdoubleasmany。Thestreetswereverynarrow，andcrooked，anddirty，especiallyinthepartwhereTomCantylived，whichwasnotfarfromLondonBridge。Thehouseswereofwood，withthesecondstoryprojectingoverthefirst，andthethirdstickingitselbowsoutbeyondthesecond。Thehigherthehousesgrew，thebroadertheygrew。Theywereskeletonsofstrongcrisscrossbeams，withsolidmaterialbetween，coatedwithplaster。Thebeamswerepaintedredorblueorblack，accordingtotheowner’staste，andthisgavethehousesaverypicturesquelook。Thewindowsweresmall，glazedwithlittlediamond—shapedpanes，andtheyopenedoutward，onhinges，likedoors。
ThehousewhichTom’sfatherlivedinwasupafoullittlepocketcalledOffalCourt，outofPuddingLane。Itwassmall，decayed，andrickety，butitwaspackedfullofwretchedlypoorfamilies。
Canty’stribeoccupiedaroomonthethirdfloor。Themotherandfatherhadasortofbedsteadinthecorner；butTom，hisgrandmother，andhistwosisters，BetandNan，werenotrestricted—theyhadallthefloortothemselves，andmightsleepwheretheychose。Thereweretheremainsofablanketortwo，andsomebundlesofancientanddirtystraw，butthesecouldnotrightlybecalledbeds，fortheywerenotorganized；theywerekickedintoageneralpilemornings，andselectionsmadefromthemassatnight，forservice。
BetandNanwerefifteenyearsold—twins。Theyweregood—heartedgirls，unclean，clothedinrags，andprofoundlyignorant。
Theirmotherwaslikethem。Butthefatherandthegrandmotherwereacoupleoffiends。Theygotdrunkwhenevertheycould；thentheyfoughteachotheroranybodyelsewhocameintheway；theycursedandsworealways，drunkorsober；JohnCantywasathief，andhismotherabeggar。Theymadebeggarsofthechildren，butfailedtomakethievesofthem。Among，butnotof，thedreadfulrabblethatinhabitedthehouse，wasagoodoldpriestwhomthekinghadturnedoutofhouseandhomewithapensionofafewfarthings，andheusedtogetthechildrenasideandteachthemrightwayssecretly。FatherAndrewalsotaughtTomalittleLatin，andhowtoreadandwrite；andwouldhavedonethesameforthegirls，buttheywereafraidofthejeersoftheirfriends，whocouldnothaveenduredsuchaqueeraccomplishmentinthem。
AllOffalCourtwasjustsuchanotherhiveasCanty’shouse。
Drunkenness，riot，andbrawlingweretheorderthere，everynightandnearlyallnightlong。Brokenheadswereascommonashungerinthatplace。YetlittleTomwasnotunhappy。Hehadahardtimeofit，butdidnotknowit。ItwasthesortoftimethatalltheOffalCourtboyshad，thereforehesupposeditwasthecorrectandcomfortablething。Whenhecamehomeempty—handedatnight，heknewhisfatherwouldcursehimandthrashhimfirst，andthatwhenhewasdonetheawfulgrandmotherwoulddoitalloveragainandimproveonit；andthatawayinthenighthisstarvingmotherwouldsliptohimstealthilywithanymiserablescrapofcrustshehadbeenabletosaveforhimbygoinghungryherself，notwithstandingshewasoftencaughtinthatsortoftreasonandsoundlybeatenforitbyherhusband。
No，Tom’slifewentalongwellenough，especiallyinsummer。Heonlybeggedjustenoughtosavehimself，forthelawsagainstmendicancywerestringent，andthepenaltiesheavy；soheputinagooddealofhistimelisteningtogoodFatherAndrew’scharmingoldtalesandlegendsaboutgiantsandfairies，dwarfsandgenii，andenchantedcastles，andgorgeouskingsandprinces。Hisheadgrewtobefullofthesewonderfulthings，andmanyanightashelayinthedarkonhisscantandoffensivestraw，tired，hungry，andsmartingfromathrashing，heunleashedhisimaginationandsoonforgothisachesandpainsindeliciouspicturingstohimselfofthecharmedlifeofapettedprinceinaregalpalace。Onedesirecameintimetohaunthimdayandnight；itwastoseearealprince，withhisowneyes。
HespokeofitoncetosomeofhisOffalCourtcomrades；buttheyjeeredhimandscoffedhimsounmercifullythathewasgladtokeephisdreamtohimselfafterthat。
Heoftenreadthepriest’soldbooksandgothimtoexplainandenlargeuponthem。Hisdreamingsandreadingsworkedcertainchangesinhimbyandby。Hisdream—peopleweresofinethathegrewtolamenthisshabbyclothingandhisdirt，andtowishtobecleanandbetterclad。Hewentonplayinginthemudjustthesame，andenjoyingit，too；butinsteadofsplashingaroundintheThamessolelyforthefunofit，hebegantofindanaddedvalueinitbecauseofthewashingsandcleansingsitafforded。
TomcouldalwaysfindsomethinggoingonaroundtheMaypoleinCheapside，andatthefairs；andnowandthenheandtherestofLondonhadachancetoseeamilitaryparadewhensomefamousunfortunatewascarriedprisonertotheTower，bylandorboat。Onesummer’sdayhesawpoorAnneAskewandthreemenburnedatthestakeinSmithfield，andheardanex—bishoppreachasermontothemwhichdidnotinteresthim。Yes，Tom’slifewasvariedandpleasantenough，onthewhole。
ByandbyTom’sreadinganddreamingaboutprincelylifewroughtsuchastrongeffectuponhimthathebegantoacttheprince，unconsciously。Hisspeechandmannersbecamecuriouslyceremoniousandcourtly，tothevastadmirationandamusementofhisintimates。ButTom’sinfluenceamongtheseyoungpeoplebegantogrownow，daybyday；andintimehecametobelookeduptobythemwithasortofwonderingawe，asasuperiorbeing。Heseemedtoknowsomuch！andhecoulddosuchmarvellousthings！andwithal，hewassodeepandwise！Tom’sremarksandTom’sperformanceswerereportedbytheboystotheirelders；andthese，also，presentlybegantodiscussTomCanty，andtoregardhimasamostgiftedandextraordinarycreature。Full—grownpeoplebroughttheirperplexitiestoTomforsolution，andwereoftenastonishedatthewitandwisdomofhisdecisions。Infact，hewasbecomeaherotoallwhoknewhimexcepthisownfamily—theseonlysawnothinginhim。
Privately，afterawhile，Tomorganizedaroyalcourt！Hewastheprince；hisspecialcomradeswereguards，chamberlains，equerries，lordsandladiesinwaiting，andtheroyalfamily。DailythemockprincewasreceivedwithelaborateceremonialsborrowedbyTomfromhisromanticreadings；dailythegreataffairsofthemimickingdomwerediscussedintheroyalcouncil，anddailyhismimichighnessissueddecreestohisimaginaryarmies，navies，andviceroyalties。
Afterwhichhewouldgoforthinhisragsandbegafewfarthings，eathispoorcrust，takehiscustomarycuffsandabuse，andthenstretchhimselfuponhishandfuloffoulstraw，andresumehisemptygrandeursinhisdreams。
Andstillhisdesiretolookjustonceuponarealprince，intheflesh，grewuponhim，daybyday，andweekbyweek，untilatlastitabsorbedallotherdesires，andbecametheonepassionofhislife。
OneJanuaryday，onhisusualbeggingtour，hetrampeddespondentlyupanddowntheregionroundaboutMincingLaneandLittleEastCheap，hourafterhour，barefootedandcold，lookinginatcook—shopwindowsandlongingforthedreadfulpork—piesandotherdeadlyinventionsdisplayedthere—fortohimtheseweredaintiesfitfortheangels；thatis，judgingbythesmell，theywere—forithadneverbeenhisgoodlucktoownandeatone。Therewasacolddrizzleofrain；theatmospherewasmurky；itwasamelancholyday。AtnightTomreachedhomesowetandtiredandhungrythatitwasnotpossibleforhisfatherandgrandmothertoobservehisforlornconditionandnotbemoved—aftertheirfashion；whereforetheygavehimabriskcuffingatonceandsenthimtobed。Foralongtimehispainandhunger，andtheswearingandfightinggoingoninthebuilding，kepthimawake；butatlasthisthoughtsdriftedawaytofar，romanticlands，andhefellasleepinthecompanyofjeweledandgildedprincelingswholivedinvastpalaces，andhadservantssalaamingbeforethemorflyingtoexecutetheirorders。Andthen，asusual，hedreamedthathewasaprincelinghimself。
Allnightlongthegloriesofhisroyalestateshoneuponhim；
hemovedamonggreatlordsandladies，inablazeoflight，breathingperfumes，drinkingindeliciousmusic，andansweringthereverentobeisancesoftheglitteringthrongasitpartedtomakewayforhim，withhereasmile，andthereanodofhisprincelyhead。
Andwhenheawokeinthemorningandlookeduponthewretchednessabouthim，hisdreamhadhaditsusualeffect—ithadintensifiedthesordidnessofhissurroundingsathousandfold。Thencamebitterness，andheartbreak，andtears。
CHAPTERIII
Tom’sMeetingwiththePrinceTOMgotuphungry，andsaunteredhungryaway，butwithhisthoughtsbusywiththeshadowysplendorsofhisnight’sdreams。Hewanderedhereandthereinthecity，hardlynoticingwherehewasgoing，orwhatwashappeningaroundhim。Peoplejostledhimandsomegavehimroughspeech；butitwasalllostonthemusingboy。ByandbyhefoundhimselfatTempleBar，thefarthestfromhomehehadevertraveledinthatdirection。Hestoppedandconsideredamoment，thenfellintohisimaginingsagain，andpassedonoutsidethewallsofLondon。TheStrandhadceasedtobeacountry—roadthen，andregardeditselfasastreet，butbyastrainedconstruction；for，thoughtherewasatolerablycompactrowofhousesononesideofit，therewereonlysomescatteringgreatbuildingsontheother，thesebeingpalacesofrichnobles，withampleandbeautifulgroundsstretchingtotheriver—groundsthatarenowcloselypackedwithgrimacresofbrickandstone。
TomdiscoveredCharingVillagepresently，andrestedhimselfatthebeautifulcrossbuilttherebyabereavedkingofearlierdays；
thenidleddownaquiet，lovelyroad，pastthegreatcardinal’sstatelypalace，towardafarmoremightyandmajesticpalacebeyond—
Westminster。Tomstaredingladwonderatthevastpileofmasonry，thewide—spreadingwings，thefrowningbastionsandturrets，thehugestonegateways，withitsgildedbarsanditsmagnificentarrayofcolossalgranitelions，andtheothersignsandsymbolsofEnglishroyalty。Wasthedesireofhissoultobesatisfiedatlast？Here，indeed，wasaking’spalace。Mighthenothopetoseeaprincenow—
aprinceoffleshandblood，ifHeavenwerewilling？
Ateachsideofthegildedgatestoodalivingstatue，thatistosay，anerectandstatelyandmotionlessman—at—arms，cladfromheadtoheelinshiningsteelarmor。Atarespectfuldistanceweremanycountry—folk，andpeoplefromthecity，waitingforanychanceglimpseofroyaltythatmightoffer。Splendidcarriages，withsplendidpeopleinthemandsplendidservantsoutside，werearrivinganddepartingbyseveralothernoblegatewaysthatpiercedtheroyalinclosure。
PoorlittleTom，inhisrags，approached，andwasmovingslowlyandtimidlypastthesentinels，withabeatingheartandarisinghope，whenallatoncehecaughtsightthroughthegoldenbarsofaspectaclethatalmostmadehimshoutforjoy。Withinwasacomelyboy，tannedandbrownwithsturdyoutdoorssportsandexercises，whoseclothingwasalloflovelysilksandsatins，shiningwithjewels；athishipalittlejeweledswordanddagger；daintybuskinsonhisfeet，withredheels；andonhisheadajauntycrimsoncap，withdroopingplumesfastenedwithagreatsparklinggem。Severalgorgeousgentlemenstoodnear—hisservants，withoutadoubt。Oh！hewasaprince—aprince，alivingprince，arealprince—withouttheshadowofaquestion；andtheprayerofthepauperboy’sheartwasansweredatlast。
Tom’sbreathcamequickandshortwithexcitement，andhiseyesgrewbigwithwonderanddelight。Everythinggavewayinhismindinstantlytoonedesire：thatwastogetclosetotheprince，andhaveagood，devouringlookathim。Beforeheknewwhathewasabout，hehadhisfaceagainstthegate—bars。Thenextinstantoneofthesoldierssnatchedhimrudelyaway，andsenthimspinningamongthegapingcrowdofcountrygawksandLondonidlers。Thesoldiersaid：
’Mindthymanners，thouyoungbeggar！’
Thecrowdjeeredandlaughed；buttheyoungprincesprangtothegatewithhisfaceflushed，andhiseyesflashingwithindignation，andcriedout：
’Howdar’stthouuseapoorladlikethat！Howdar’stthouusethekingmyfather’smeanestsubjectso！Openthegates，andlethimin！’
Youshouldhaveseenthatficklecrowdsnatchofftheirhatsthen。
Youshouldhaveheardthemcheer，andshout，’LonglivethePrinceofWales！’
Thesoldierspresentedarmswiththeirhalberds，openedthegates，andpresentedagainasthelittlePrinceofPovertypassedin，inhisflutteringrags，tojoinhandswiththePrinceofLimitlessPlenty。EdwardTudorsaid：
’Thoulookesttiredandhungry；thou’stbeentreatedill。Comewithme。’
Halfadozenattendantssprangforwardto—Idon’tknowwhat；
interfere，nodoubt。Buttheywerewavedasidewitharightroyalgesture，andtheystoppedstockstillwheretheywerelikesomanystatues。EdwardtookTomtoarichapartmentinthepalace，whichhecalledhiscabinet。ByhiscommandarepastwasbroughtsuchasTomhadneverencounteredbeforeexceptinbooks。Theprince，withprincelydelicacyandbreeding，sentawaytheservants，sothathishumbleguestmightnotbeembarrassedbytheircriticalpresence；thenhesatnearby，andaskedquestionswhileTomate。
’Whatisthyname，lad？’
’TomCanty，anitpleasethee，sir。’
’’Tisanoddone。Wheredostlive？’
’Inthecity，pleasethee，sir。OffalCourt，outofPuddingLane。’
’OffalCourt！Truly，’tisanotheroddone。Hastparents？’
’ParentshaveI，sir，andagrandamlikewisethatisbutindifferentlyprecioustome，Godforgivemeifitbeoffensetosayit—alsotwinsisters，NanandBet。’
’Thenisthygrandamnotoverkindtothee，Itakeit。’
’Neithertoanyotherisshe，sopleaseyourworship。Shehathawickedheart，andworkethevilallherdays。’
’Dothshemistreatthee？’
’Therebetimesthatshestayethherhand，beingasleeporovercomewithdrink；butwhenshehathherjudgmentclearagain，shemakethituptomewithgoodlybeatings。’
Afiercelookcameintothelittleprince’seyes，andhecriedout：
’What！Beatings？’
’O，indeed，yes，pleaseyou，sir。’
’Beatings！—andthousofrailandlittle。Harkye：beforethenightcome，sheshallhiehertotheTower。Thekingmyfather—’
’Insooth，youforget，sir，herlowdegree。TheTowerisforthegreatalone。’
’True，indeed。Ihadnotthoughtofthat。Iwillconsiderofherpunishment。Isthyfatherkindtothee？’
’NotmorethanGammerCanty，sir。’
’Fathersbealike，mayhap。Minehathnotadoll’stemper。Hesmitethwithaheavyhand，yetsparethme；hesparethmenotalwayswithhistongue，though，soothtosay。Howdoththymotherusethee？’
’Sheisgood，sir，andgivethmeneithersorrownorpainofanysort。AndNanandBetareliketoherinthis。’
’Howoldbethese？’
’Fifteen，anitpleaseyou，sir。’
’TheLadyElizabeth，mysister，isfourteenandtheLadyJaneGrey，mycousin，isofmineownage，andcomelyandgraciouswithal；
butmysistertheLadyMary，withhergloomymienand—Lookyou：dothysistersforbidtheirservantstosmile，lestthesindestroytheirsouls？’
’They？Oh，dostthink，sir，thattheyhaveservants？’
Thelittleprincecontemplatedthelittlepaupergravelyamoment，thensaid：
’Andprithee，whynot？Whohelpeththemundressatnight？whoattireththemwhentheyrise？’
’None，sir。Wouldsthavethemtakeofftheirgarment，andsleepwithout—likethebeasts？’
’Theirgarment！Havetheybutone？’
’Ah，goodyourworship，whatwouldtheydowithmore？Truly，theyhavenottwobodieseach。’
’Itisaquaintandmarvelousthought！Thypardon，Ihadnotmeanttolaugh。ButthygoodNanandthyBetshallhaveraimentandlackeysenow，andthatsoon，too：mycofferershalllooktoit。No，thankmenot；’tisnothing。Thouspeakestwell；thouhastaneasygraceinit。Artlearned？’
’IknownotifIamornot，sir。ThegoodpriestthatiscalledFatherAndrewtaughtme，ofhiskindness，fromhisbooks。’
’Know’stthoutheLatin？’
’Butscantily，sir，Idoubt。’
’Learnit，lad：’tishardonlyatfirst。TheGreekisharder；
butneitherthesenoranytongueselse，Ithink，arehardtotheLadyElizabethandmycousin。Thoushouldsthearthosedamselsatit！ButtellmeofthyOffalCourt。Hastthouapleasantlifethere？’
’Intruth，yes，sopleaseyou，sir，savewhenoneishungry。TherebePunch—and—Judyshows，andmonkeys—oh，suchanticcreatures！andsobravelydressed！—andtherebeplayswhereintheythatplaydoshoutandfighttillallareslain，and’tissofinetosee，andcostethbutafarthing—albeit’tismainhardtogetthefarthing，pleaseyourworship。’
’Tellmemore。’
’WeladsofOffalCourtdostriveagainsteachotherwiththecudgel，liketothefashionofthe’prentices，sometimes。’
Theprince’seyesflashed。Saidhe：
’Marry，thatwouldInotmislike。Tellmemore。’
’Westriveinraces，sir，toseewhoofusshallbefleetest。’
’ThatwouldIlikealso。Speakon。’
’Insummer，sir，wewadeandswiminthecanalsandintheriver，andeachdothduckhisneighbor，andspatterhimwithwater，anddiveandshoutandtumbleand—’
’’Twouldbeworthmyfather’skingdombuttoenjoyitonce！
Pritheegoon。’
’WedanceandsingabouttheMaypoleinCheapside；weplayinthesand，eachcoveringhisneighborup；andtimeswemakemudpastry—
oh，thelovelymud，ithathnotitslikefordelightfulnessinalltheworld！—wedofairlywallowinthemud，sir，savingyourworship’spresence。’
’Oh，prithee，saynomore，’tisglorious！IfthatIcouldbutclothemeinraimentliketothine，andstripmyfeet，andrevelinthemudonce，justonce，withnonetorebukemeorforbid，meseemethI
couldforegothecrown！’
’AndifthatIcouldclothemeonce，sweetsir，asthouartclad—justonce—’
’Oho，wouldstlikeit？Thensoshallitbe。Doffthyrags，anddonthesesplendors，lad！Itisabriefhappiness，butwillbenotlesskeenforthat。Wewillhaveitwhilewemay，andchangeagainbeforeanycometomolest。’
AfewminuteslaterthelittlePrinceofWaleswasgarlandedwithTom’sflutteringoddsandends，andthelittlePrinceofPauperdomwastrickedoutinthegaudyplumageofroyalty。Thetwowentandstoodsidebysidebeforeagreatmirror，andlo，amiracle：theredidnotseemtohavebeenanychangemade！Theystaredateachother，thenattheglass，thenateachotheragain。
Atlastthepuzzledprincelingsaid：
’Whatdostthoumakeofthis？’
’Ah，goodyourworship，requiremenottoanswer。Itisnotmeetthatoneofmydegreeshouldutterthething。’
’ThenwillIutterit。Thouhastthesamehair，thesameeyes，thesamevoiceandmanner，thesameformandstature，thesamefaceandcountenance，thatIbear。Faredweforthnaked，thereisnonecouldsaywhichwasyou，andwhichthePrinceofWales。And，nowthatIamclothedasthouwertclothed，itseemethIshouldbeablethemorenearlytofeelasthoudidstwhenthebrutesoldier—Harkye，isnotthisabruiseuponyourhand？’
’Yes；butitisaslightthing，andyourworshipknoweththatthepoorman—at—arms—’
’Peace！Itwasashamefulthingandacruel！’criedthelittleprince，stampinghisbarefoot。’Iftheking—StirnotasteptillI
comeagain！Itisacommand！’
Inamomenthehadsnatchedupandputawayanarticleofnationalimportancethatlayuponatable，andwasoutatthedoorandflyingthroughthepalacegroundsinhisbanneredrags，withahotfaceandglowingeyes。Assoonashereachedthegreatgate，heseizedthebars，andtriedtoshakethem，shouting：’Open！Unbarthegates！’
ThesoldierthathadmaltreatedTomobeyedpromptly；andastheprinceburstthroughtheportal，halfsmotheredwithroyalwrath，thesoldierfetchedhimasoundingboxontheearthatsenthimwhirlingtotheroadway，andsaid：
’Takethat，thoubeggar’sspawnforwhatthougot’stmefromhisHighness！’
Thecrowdroaredwithlaughter。Theprincepickedhimselfoutofthemud，andmadefiercelyatthesentry，shouting：
’IamthePrinceofWales，mypersonissacred；andthoushalthangforlayingthyhanduponme！’
Thesoldierbroughthishalberdtoapresent—armsandsaidmockingly：
’IsaluteyourgraciousHighness。’Thenangrily，’Beoff，thoucrazyrubbish！’
Herethejeeringcrowdclosedaroundthepoorlittleprince，andhustledhimfardowntheroad，hootinghim，andshouting。’WayforhisroyalHighness！wayforthePrinceofWales！’
CHAPTERIV
ThePrince’sTroublesBeginAFTERhoursofpersistentpursuitandpersecution，thelittleprincewasatlastdesertedbytherabbleandlefttohimself。Aslongashehadbeenabletorageagainstthemob，andthreatenitroyally，androyallyuttercommandsthatweregoodstufftolaughat，hewasveryentertaining；butwhenwearinessfinallyforcedhimtobesilent，hewasnolongerofusetohistormentors，andtheysoughtamusementelsewhere。Helookedabouthimnow，butcouldnotrecognizethelocality。HewaswithinthecityofLondon—thatwasallheknew。Hemovedon，aimlessly，andinalittlewhilethehousesthinned，andthepassers—bywereinfrequent。HebathedhisbleedingfeetinthebrookwhichflowedthenwhereFarringdonStreetnowis；
restedafewmoments，thenpassedon，andpresentlycameuponagreatspacewithonlyafewscatteredhousesinit，andaprodigiouschurch。Herecognizedthischurch。Scaffoldingswereabout，everywhere，andswarmsofworkmen；foritwasundergoingelaboraterepairs。Theprincetookheartatonce—hefeltthathistroubleswereatanendnow。Hesaidtohimself，’ItistheancientGreyFriars’
church，whichthekingmyfatherhathtakenfromthemonksandgivenforahomeforeverforpoorandforsakenchildren，andnew—nameditChrist’schurch。Rightgladlywilltheyservethesonofhimwhohathdonesogenerouslybythem—andthemorethatthatsonishimselfaspoorandasforlornasanythatbeshelteredherethisday，orevershallbe。’
Hewassooninthemidstofacrowdofboyswhowererunning，jumping，playingatballandleap—frogandotherwisedisportingthemselves，andrightnoisily，too。Theywerealldressedalike，andinthefashionwhichinthatdayprevailedamongserving—menand’prentices’*—thatistosay，eachhadonthecrownofhisheadaflatblackcapaboutthesizeofasaucer，whichwasnotusefulasacovering，itbeingofsuchscantydimensions，neitherwasitornamental；frombeneathitthehairfell，unparted，tothemiddleoftheforehead，andwascroppedstraightaround；aclericalbandattheneck；abluegownthatfittedcloselyandhungaslowasthekneesorlower；fullsleeves；abroadredbelt；brightyellowstockings，garteredabovetheknees；lowshoeswithlargemetalbuckles。Itwasasufficientlyuglycostume。
Theboysstoppedtheirplayandflockedabouttheprince，whosaidwithnativedignity：
’Goodlads，saytoyourmasterthatEdwardPrinceofWalesdesirethspeechwithhim。’
Agreatshoutwentupatthis，andonerudefellowsaid：
’Marry，artthouhisgrace’smessenger，beggar？’
Theprince’sfaceflushedwithanger，andhisreadyhandflewtohiship，buttherewasnothingthere。Therewasastormoflaughter，andoneboysaid：
’Didstmarkthat？Hefanciedhehadasword—belikeheistheprincehimself。’
Thissallybroughtmorelaughter。PoorEdwarddrewhimselfupproudlyandsaid：
’Iamtheprince；anditillbeseemethyouthatfeeduponthekingmyfather’sbountytousemeso。’
Thiswasvastlyenjoyed，asthelaughtertestified。Theyouthwhohadfirstspokenshoutedtohiscomrades：
’Ho，swine，slaves，pensionersofhisgrace’sprincelyfather，wherebeyourmanners？Downonyourmarrowbones，allofye，anddoreverencetohiskinglyportandroyalrags！’
Withboisterousmirththeydroppedupontheirkneesinabodyanddidmockhomagetotheirprey。Theprincespurnedthenearestboywithhisfoot，andsaidfiercely：
’Takethouthat，tillthemorrowcomeandIbuildtheeagibbet！’
Ah，butthiswasnotajoke—thiswasgoingbeyondfun。Thelaughterceasedontheinstantandfurytookitsplace。Adozenshouted：
’Halehimforth！Tothehorse—pond，tothehorse—pond！Wherebethedogs？Ho，there，Lion！ho，Fangs！’
ThenfollowedsuchathingasEnglandhadneverseenbefore—thesacredpersonoftheheirtothethronerudelybuffetedbyplebeianhands，andsetuponandtornbydogs。
Asnightdrewtoaclosethatday，theprincefoundhimselffardownintheclose—builtportionofthecity。Hisbodywasbruised，hishandswerebleeding，andhisragswereallbesmirchedwithmud。Hewanderedonandon，andgrewmoreandmorebewildered，andsotiredandfainthecouldhardlydragonefootaftertheother。Hehadceasedtoaskquestionsofanyone，sincetheybroughthimonlyinsultinsteadofinformation。Hekeptmutteringtohimself，’OffalCourt—
thatisthename；ifIcanbutfinditbeforemystrengthiswhollyspentandIdrop，thenamIsaved—forhispeoplewilltakemetothepalaceandprovethatIamnoneoftheirs，butthetrueprince，andIshallhavemineownagain。’AndnowandthenhismindrevertedtohistreatmentbythoserudeChrist’sHospitalboys，andhesaid，’WhenIamking，theyshallnothavebreadandshelteronly，butalsoteachingsoutofbooks；forafullbellyislittleworthwherethemindisstarved，andtheheart。Iwillkeepthisdiligentlyinmyremembrance，thatthisday’slessonbenotlostuponme，andmypeoplesufferthereby；forlearningsofteneththeheartandbreedethgentlenessandcharity。’*（2）
Thelightsbegantotwinkle，itcameontorain，thewindrose，andarawandgustynightsetin。Thehouselessprince，thehomelessheirtothethroneofEngland，stillmovedon，driftingdeeperintothemazeofsqualidalleyswheretheswarminghivesofpovertyandmiseryweremassedtogether。
Suddenlyagreatdrunkenruffiancollaredhimandsaid：
’Outtothistimeofnightagain，andhastnotbroughtafarthinghome，Iwarrantme！Ifitbeso，anIdonotbreakallthebonesinthyleanbody，thenamInotJohnCanty，butsomeother。’
Theprincetwistedhimselfloose，unconsciouslybrushedhisprofanedshoulder，andeagerlysaid：
’Oh，arthisfather，truly？Sweetheavengrantitbeso—thenwiltthoufetchhimawayandrestoreme！’
’Hisfather？Iknownotwhatthoumean’st；IbutknowIamthyfather，asthoushaltsoonhavecauseto—’
’Oh，jestnot，palternot，delaynot！—Iamworn，Iamwounded，Icanbearnomore。Takemetothekingmyfather，andhewillmaketheerichbeyondthywildestdreams。Believeme，man，believeme！I
speaknolie，butonlythetruth！—putforththyhandandsaveme！I
amindeedthePrinceofWales！’
Themanstareddown，stupefied，uponthelad，thenshookhisheadandmuttered：
’GonestarkmadasanyTomo’Bedlam！’—thencollaredhimoncemore，andsaidwithacoarselaughandanoath，’Butmadornomad，IandthyGammerCantywillsoonfindwherethesoftplacesinthyboneslie，orI’mnotrueman！’
Withthishedraggedthefranticandstrugglingprinceaway，anddisappearedupafrontcourtfollowedbyadelightedandnoisyswarmofhumanvermin。
CHAPTERV
TomasaPatricianTOMCANTY，leftaloneintheprince’scabinet，madegooduseofhisopportunity。Heturnedhimselfthiswayandthatbeforethegreatmirror，admiringhisfinery；thenwalkedaway，imitatingtheprince’shigh—bredcarriage，andstillobservingresultsintheglass。
Nexthedrewthebeautifulsword，andbowed，kissingtheblade，andlayingitacrosshisbreast，ashehadseenanobleknightdo，bywayofsalutetothelieutenantoftheTower，fiveorsixweeksbefore，whendeliveringthegreatlordsofNorfolkandSurreyintohishandsforcaptivity。Tomplayedwiththejeweleddaggerthathunguponhisthigh；heexaminedthecostlyandexquisiteornamentsoftheroom；
hetriedeachofthesumptuouschairs，andthoughthowproudhewouldbeiftheOffalCourtherdcouldonlypeepinandseehiminhisgrandeur。Hewonderediftheywouldbelievethemarveloustaleheshouldtellwhenhegothome，oriftheywouldshaketheirheads，andsayhisovertaxedimaginationhadatlastupsethisreason。
Attheendofhalfanhouritsuddenlyoccurredtohimthattheprincewasgonealongtime；thenrightawayhebegantofeellonely；verysoonhefelltolisteningandlonging，andceasedtotoywiththeprettythingsabouthim；hegrewuneasy，thenrestless，thendistressed。Supposesomeoneshouldcome，andcatchhimintheprince’sclothes，andtheprincenottheretoexplain。Mighttheynothanghimatonce，andinquireintohiscaseafterward？Hehadheardthatthegreatwerepromptaboutsmallmatters。Hisfearsrosehigherandhigher；andtremblinghesoftlyopenedthedoortotheante—chamber，resolvedtoflyandseektheprince，andthroughhim，protectionandrelease。Sixgorgeousgentlemen—servantsandtwoyoungpagesofhighdegree，clothedlikebutterflies，sprungtotheirfeet，andbowedlowbeforehim。Hesteppedquicklyback，andshutthedoor。Hesaid：
’Oh，theymockatme！Theywillgoandtell。Oh！whycameIheretocastawaymylife？’
Hewalkedupanddownthefloor，filledwithnamelessfears，listening，startingateverytriflingsound。Presentlythedoorswungopen，andasilkenpagesaid：
’TheLadyJaneGrey。’
Thedoorclosed，andasweetyounggirl，richlyclad，boundedtowardhim。
Butshestoppedsuddenly，andsaidinadistressedvoice：
’Oh，whataileththee，mylord？’
Tom’sbreathwasnearlyfailinghim；buthemadeshifttostammerout：
’Ah，bemerciful，thou！InsoothIamnolord，butonlypoorTomCantyofOffalCourtinthecity。Pritheeletmeseetheprince，andhewillofhisgracerestoretomemyrags，andletmehenceunhurt。
Oh，bethoumerciful，andsaveme！’
Bythistimetheboywasonhisknees，andsupplicatingwithhiseyesandupliftedhandsaswellaswithhistongue。Theyounggirlseemedhorror—stricken。Shecriedout：
’Oh，mylord，onthyknees？andtome！’
Thenshefledawayinfright；andTom，smittenwithdespair，sankdown，murmuring：
’Thereisnohelp，thereisnohope。Nowwilltheycomeandtakeme。’
Whilsthelaytherebenumbedwithterror，dreadfultidingswerespeedingthroughthepalace。Thewhisper，foritwaswhisperedalways，flewfrommenialtomenial，fromlordtolady，downallthelongcorridors，fromstorytostory，fromsaloontosaloon，’Theprincehathgonemad，theprincehathgonemad！’Sooneverysaloon，everymarblehall，haditsgroupsofglitteringlordsandladies，andothergroupsofdazzlinglesserfolk，talkingearnestlytogetherinwhispers，andeveryfacehadinitdismay。Presentlyasplendidofficialcamemarchingbythesegroups，makingsolemnproclamation：
’INTHENAMEOFTHEKING
Letnonelisttothisfalseandfoolishmatter，uponpainofdeath，nordiscussthesame，norcarryitabroad。Inthenameoftheking！’
Thewhisperingsceasedassuddenlyasifthewhisperershadbeenstrickendumb。
Soontherewasageneralbuzzalongthecorridors，of’Theprince！
See，theprincecomes！’
PoorTomcameslowlywalkingpastthelow—bowinggroups，tryingtobowinreturn，andmeeklygazinguponhisstrangesurroundingswithbewilderedandpatheticeyes。Greatnobleswalkeduponeachsideofhim，makinghimleanuponthem，andsosteadyhissteps。Behindhimfollowedthecourtphysiciansandsomeservants。
PresentlyTomfoundhimselfinanobleapartmentofthepalace，andheardthedoorclosebehindhim。Aroundhimstoodthosewhohadcomewithhim。
Beforehim，atalittledistance，reclinedaverylargeandveryfatman，withawide，pulpyface，andasternexpression。Hislargeheadwasverygray；andhiswhiskers，whichheworeonlyaroundhisface，likeaframe，weregrayalso。Hisclothingwasofrichstuff，butold，andslightlyfrayedinplaces。Oneofhisswollenlegshadapillowunderit，andwaswrappedinbandages。Therewassilencenow；
andtherewasnoheadtherebutwasbentinreverence，exceptthisman’s。Thisstern—countenancedinvalidwasthedreadHenryVIII。Hesaid—andhisfacegrewgentleashebegantospeak：
’Hownow，mylordEdward，myprince？Hastbeenmindedtocozenme，thegoodkingthyfather，wholoveththee，andkindlyuseththee，withasorryjest？’
PoorTomwaslistening，aswellashisdazedfacultieswouldlethim，tothebeginningofthisspeech；butwhenthewords’methegoodking’felluponhisear，hisfaceblanched，andhedroppedasinstantlyuponhiskneesasifashothadbroughthimthere。Liftinguphishands，heexclaimed：
’Thoutheking？ThenamIundoneindeed！’
Thisspeechseemedtostuntheking。Hiseyeswanderedfromfacetofaceaimlessly，thenrested，bewildered，upontheboybeforehim。
Thenhesaidinatoneofdeepdisappointment：
’Alack，Ihadbelievedtherumordisproportionedtothetruth；butIfearme’tisnotso。’Hebreathedaheavysigh，andsaidinagentlevoice，’Cometothyfather，child；thouartnotwell。’
Tomwasassistedtohisfeet，andapproachedtheMajestyofEngland，humbleandtrembling。Thekingtookthefrightenedfacebetweenhishands，andgazedearnestlyandlovinglyintoitawhile，asifseekingsomegratefulsignofreturningreasonthere，thenpressedthecurlyheadagainsthisbreast，andpattedittenderly。
Presentlyhesaid：
’Dostthouknowthyfather，child？Breaknotmineoldheart；saythouknow’stme。Thoudostknowme，dostthounot？’
’Yea；thouartmydreadlordtheking，whomGodpreserve。’
’True，true—thatiswell—becomforted，tremblenotso；thereisnoneherewhowouldhurtthee；thereisnoneherebutlovesthee。
Thouartbetternow；thyilldreampasseth—is’tnotso？Andthouknowestthyselfnowalso—is’tnotso？Thouwiltnotmiscallthyselfagain，astheysaythoudidstalittlewhileagone？’
’Ipraytheeofthygracebelieveme，Ididbutspeakthetruth，mostdreadlord；forIamthemeanestamongthysubjects，beingapauperborn，and’tisbyasoremischanceandaccidentIamhere，albeitIwasthereinnothingblameful。Iambutyoungtodie，andthoucanstsavemewithonelittleword。Oh，speakit，sir！’
’Die？Talknotso，sweetprince—peace，peace，tothytroubledheart—thoushaltnotdie！’
Tomdroppeduponhiskneeswithagladcry：
’Godrequitethymercy，ohmyking，andsavetheelongtoblessthyland！’Thenspringingup，heturnedajoyfulfacetowardthetwolordsinwaiting，andexclaimed，’Thouheard’stit！Iamnottodie：
thekinghathsaidit！’Therewasnomovement，savethatallbowedwithgraverespect；butnoonespoke。Hehesitated，alittleconfused，thenturnedtimidlytowardtheking，saying，’Imaygonow？’
’Go？Surely，ifthoudesirest。Butwhynottarryyetalittle？
Whitherwouldstgo？’
Tomdroppedhiseyes，andansweredhumbly：
’PeradventureImistook；butIdidthinkmefree，andsowasI
movedtoseekagainthekennelwhereIwasbornandbredtomisery，yetwhichharborethmymotherandmysisters，andsoishometome；
whereasthesepompsandsplendorswhereuntoIamnotused—oh，pleaseyou，sir，toletmego！’
Thekingwassilentandthoughtfulawhile，andhisfacebetrayedagrowingdistressanduneasiness。Presentlyhesaid，withsomethingofhopeinhisvoice：
’Perchanceheisbutmaduponthisonestrainandhathhiswitsunmarredastouchethothermatter。Godsenditmaybeso！Wewillmaketrial。’
ThenheaskedTomaquestioninLatin，andTomansweredhimlamelyinthesametongue。TheKingwasdelighted，andshowedit。Thelordsanddoctorsmanifestedtheirgratificationalso。
Thekingsaid：
’’Twasnotaccordingtohisschoolingandability，butsheweththathismindisbutdiseased，notstrickenfatally。Howsayyou，sir？’
Thephysicianaddressedbowedlow，andreplied：
’Itjumpethwithmineownconviction，sire，thatthouhastdivinedaright。’
Thekinglookedpleasedwiththisencouragement，comingasitdidfromsoexcellentauthority，andcontinuedwithgoodheart：
’Nowmarkyeall：wewilltryhimfurther。’
HeputaquestiontoTominFrench。Tomstoodsilentamoment，embarrassedbyhavingsomanyeyescentereduponhim，thensaiddiffidently：
’Ihavenoknowledgeofthistongue，sopleaseyourmajesty。’
Thekingfellbackuponhiscouch。Theattendantsflewtohisassistance；butheputthemaside，andsaid：
’Troublemenot—itisnothingbutascurvyfaintness。Raiseme！
there，’tissufficient。Comehither，child；there，restthypoortroubledheaduponthyfather’sheart，andbeatpeace。Thou’ltsoonbewell；’tisbutapassingfantasy。Fearthounot；thou’ltsoonbewell。’Thenheturnedtowardthecompany；hisgentlemannerchanged，andbalefullightningsbegantoplayfromhiseyes。Hesaid：
’Listyeall！Thismysonismad；butitisnotpermanent。
Overstudyhathdonethis，andsomewhattoomuchofconfinement。Awaywithhisbooksandteachers！seeyetoit。Pleasurehimwithsports，beguilehiminwholesomeways，sothathishealthcomeagain。’Heraisedhimselfhigherstillandwentonwithenergy。’Heismad；butheismyson，andEngland’sheir；and，madorsane，stillshallhereign！Andhearyefurther，andproclaimit；whosospeakethofthishisdistemperworkethagainstthepeaceandorderoftheserealms，andshalltothegallows！……Givemetodrink—Iburn：Thissorrowsappethmystrength……There，takeawaythecup……Supportme。There，thatiswell。Mad，ishe？Wereheathousandtimesmad，yetishePrinceofWales，andIthekingwillconfirmit。Thisverymorrowshallhebeinstalledinhisprincelydignityindueandancientform。Takeinstantorderforit，myLordHertford。’
Oneofthenobleskneltattheroyalcouch，andsaid：
’Theking’smajestyknoweththattheHereditaryGreatMarshalofEnglandliethattaintedintheTower。Itwerenotmeetthatoneattainted—’
’Peace！Insultnotmineearswithhishatedname。Isthismantoliveforever？AmItobebalkedofmywill？Istheprincetotarryuninstalled，because，forsooth，therealmlackethanearlmarshalfreeoftreasonabletainttoinvesthimwithhishonors？No，bythesplendorofGod！WarnmyparliamenttobringmeNorfolk’sdoombeforethesunriseagain，elseshalltheyanswerforitgrievously！*（3）
LordHertfordsaid：
’Theking’swillislaw’；and，rising，returnedtohisformerplace。
Graduallythewrathfadedoutoftheoldking’sface，andhesaid：
’Kissme，myprince。There……whatfearestthou？AmInotthylovingfather？’
’Thouartgoodtomethatamunworthy，Omightyandgraciouslord；
thatintruthIknow。But—but—itgrievethmetothinkofhimthatistodie，and—’
’Ah，’tislikethee，’tislikethee！Iknowthyheartisstillthesame，eventhoughthymindhathsufferedhurt，forthouwerteverofagentlespirit。Butthisdukestandethbetweentheeandthinehonors：I
willhaveanotherinhissteadthatshallbringnotainttohisgreatoffice。Comfortthee，myprince：troublenotthypoorheadwiththismatter。’
’ButisitnotIthatspeedhimhence，myliege？Howlongmighthenotlive，butforme？’
’Takenothoughtofhim，myprince：heisnotworthy。Kissmeonceagain，andgotothytriflesandamusements；formymaladydistressethme。Iamaweary，andwouldrest。GowiththineuncleHertfordandthypeople，andcomeagainwhenmybodyisrefreshed。’
Tom，heavy—hearted，wasconductedfromthepresence，forthislastsentencewasadeath—blowtothehopehehadcherishedthatnowhewouldbesetfree。Oncemoreheheardthebuzzoflowvoicesexclaiming，’Theprince，theprincecomes！’
Hisspiritssanklowerandlowerashemovedbetweentheglitteringfilesofbowingcourtiers；forherecognizedthathewasindeedacaptivenow，andmightremainforevershutupinthisgildedcage，aforlornandfriendlessprince，exceptGodinhismercytakepityonhimandsethimfree。
And，turnwherehewould，heseemedtoseefloatingintheairtheseveredheadandtherememberedfaceofthegreatDukeofNorfolk，theeyesfixedonhimreproachfully。
Hisolddreamshadbeensopleasant；butthisrealitywassodreary！
CHAPTERVI
TomRecievesInstructionsTOMwasconductedtotheprincipalapartmentofanoblesuite，andmadetositdown—athingwhichhewasloathtodo，sincetherewereelderlymenandmenofhighdegreeabouthim。Hebeggedthemtobeseated，also，buttheyonlybowedtheirthanksormurmuredthem，andremainedstanding。Hewouldhaveinsisted，buthis’uncle，’theEarlofHertford，whisperedinhisear：
’Prithee，insistnot，mylord；itisnotmeetthattheysitinthypresence。’
TheLordSt。Johnwasannounced，and，aftermakingobeisancetoTom，hesaid：
’Icomeupontheking’serrand，concerningamatterwhichrequirethprivacy。Willitpleaseyourroyalhighnesstodismissallthatattendyouhere，savemylordtheEarlofHertford？’
ObservingthatTomdidnotseemtoknowhowtoproceed，Hertfordwhisperedhimtomakeasignwithhishandandnottroublehimselftospeakunlesshechose。Whenthewaitinggentlemenhadretired，LordSt。Johnsaid：
’Hismajestycommandeth，thatfordueandweightyreasonsofstate，theprince’sgraceshallhidehisinfirmityinallwaysthatbewithinhispower，tillitbepassedandhebeashewasbefore。Towit，thatheshalldenytononethatheisthetrueprince，andheirtoEngland’sgreatness；thatheshallupholdhisprincelydignity，andshallreceive，withoutwordorsignofprotest，thatreverenceandobservancewhichuntoitdoappertainofrightandancientusage；thatheshallceasetospeaktoanyofthatlowlybirthandlifehismaladyhathconjuredoutoftheunwholesomeimaginingsofo’erwroughtfancy；thatheshallstrivewithdiligencetobringuntohismemoryagainthosefaceswhichhewaswonttoknow—andwherehefailethheshallholdhispeace，neitherbetrayingbysemblanceofsurprise，orothersign，thathehathforgot；thatuponoccasionsofstate，whensoeveranymattershallperplexhimastothethingheshoulddoortheutteranceheshouldmake，heshallshownaughtofunresttothecuriousthatlookon，buttakeadviceinthatmatteroftheLordHertford，ormyhumbleself，whicharecommandedofthekingtobeuponthisserviceandcloseatcall，tillthiscommandmentbedissolved。Thussaiththeking’smajesty，whosendethgreetingtoyourroyalhighnessandprayeththatGodwillofHismercyquicklyhealyouandhaveyounowandeverinHisholykeeping。’
TheLordSt。Johnmadereverenceandstoodaside。Tomreplied，resignedly：
’Thekinghathsaidit。Nonemaypalterwiththeking’scommand，orfitittohisease，whereitdothchafe，withdeftevasions。Thekingshallbeobeyed。’
LordHertfordsaid：
’Touchingtheking’smajesty’sordainmentconcerningbooksandsuchlikeseriousmatters，itmayperadventurepleaseyourhighnesstoeaseyourtimewithlightsomeentertainment，lestyougoweariedtothebanquetandsufferharmthereby。’
Tom’sfaceshowedinquiringsurprise；andablushfollowedwhenhesawLordSt。John’seyesbentsorrowfullyuponhim。Hislordshipsaid：
’Thymemorystillwrongeththee，andthouhastshownsurprise—butsufferitnottotroublethee，for’tisamatterthatwillnotbide，butdepartwiththymendingmalady。MyLordofHertfordspeakethofthecity’sbanquetwhichtheking’smajestydidpromisetwomonthsflown，yourhighnessshouldattend。Thourecallestitnow？’
’Itgrievesmetoconfessithadindeedescapedme，’saidTom，inahesitatingvoice；andblushedagain。
AtthatmomenttheLadyElizabethandtheLadyJaneGreywereannounced。Thetwolordsexchangedsignificantglances，andHertfordsteppedquicklytowardthedoor。Astheyounggirlspassedhim，hesaidinalowvoice：
’Iprayye，ladies，seemnottoobservehishumors，norshowsurprisewhenhismemorydothlapse—itwillgrieveyoutonotehowitdothstickateverytrifle。’
MeanwhileLordSt。JohnwassayinginTom’sear：
’Pleaseyou，sir，keepdiligentlyinmindhismajesty’sdesire。
Rememberallthoucanst—seemtorememberallelse。Letthemnotperceivethatthouartmuchchangedfromthywont，forthouknowesthowtenderlythyoldplayfellowsbeartheeintheirheartsandhow’twouldgrievethem。Artwilling，sir，thatIremain？—andthineuncle？’
Tomsignifiedassentwithagestureandamurmuredword，forhewasalreadylearning，andinhissimpleheartwasresolvedtoacquithimselfasbesthemightaccordingtotheking’scommand。
Inspiteofeveryprecaution，theconversationamongtheyoungpeoplebecamealittleembarrassingattimes。Morethanonce，intruth，Tomwasneartobreakingdownandconfessinghimselfunequaltohistremendouspart；butthetactofthePrincessElizabethsavedhim，orawordfromoneortheotherofthevigilantlords，throwninapparentlybychance，hadthesamehappyeffect。OncethelittleLadyJaneturnedtoTomanddismayedhimwiththisquestion：
’Hastpaidthydutytothequeen’smajestytoday，mylord？’
Tomhesitated，lookeddistressed，andwasabouttostammeroutsomethingathazardwhenLordSt。Johntookthewordandansweredforhimwiththeeasygraceofacourtieraccustomedtoencounterdelicatedifficultiesandtobereadyforthem：
’Hehathindeed，madam，andshedidgreatlyheartenhim，astouchinghismajesty’scondition；isitnotso，yourhighness？’
Tommumbledsomethingthatstoodforassent，butfeltthathewasgettingupondangerousground。SomewhatlateritwasmentionedthatTomwastostudynomoreatpresent，whereuponherlittleladyshipexclaimed：
’’Tisapity，’tissuchapity！Thouwereproceedingbravely。
Butbidethytimeinpatience；itwillnotbeforlong。Thou’ltyetbegracedwithlearninglikethyfather，andmakethytonguemasterofasmanylanguagesashis，goodmyprince。’
’Myfather！’criedTom，offhisguardforthemoment。’Itrowhecannotspeakhisownsothatanybuttheswinethatwallowinthestiesmaytellhismeaning；andasforlearningofanysortsoever—’
HelookedupandencounteredasolemnwarninginmyLordSt。
John’seyes。
Hestopped，blushed，thencontinuedlowandsadly：’Ah，mymaladypersecutethmeagain，andmymindwandereth。Imeanttheking’sgracenoirreverence。’
’Weknowit，sir，’saidthePrincessElizabeth，takingher’brother’s’handbetweenhertwopalms，respectfullybutcaressingly；’troublenotthyselfastothat。Thefaultisnoneofthine，butthydistemper’s。’
’Thou’rtagentlecomforter，sweetlady，’saidTom，gratefully，’andmyheartmovethmetothanktheefor’t，anImaybesobold。’
OncethegiddylittleLadyJanefiredasimpleGreekphraseatTom。ThePrincessElizabeth’squickeyesawbythesereneblanknessofthetarget’sfrontthattheshaftwasovershot；soshetranquillydeliveredareturnvolleyofsoundingGreekonTom’sbehalf，andthenstraightwaychangedthetalktoothermatters。
Timeworeonpleasantly，andlikewisesmoothly，onthewhole。
Snagsandsand—barsgrewlessandlessfrequent，andTomgrewmoreandmoreathisease，seeingthatallweresolovinglybentuponhelpinghimandoverlookinghismistakes。WhenitcameoutthatthelittleladiesweretoaccompanyhimtotheLordMayor’sbanquetintheevening，hisheartgaveaboundofreliefanddelight，forhefeltthatheshouldnotbefriendlessnow，amongthatmultitudeofstrangers，whereas，anhourearlier，theideaoftheirgoingwithhimwouldhavebeenaninsupportableterrortohim。
Tom’sguardianangels，thetwolords，hadhadlesscomfortintheinterviewthantheotherpartiestoit。Theyfeltmuchasiftheywerepilotingagreatshipthroughadangerouschannel；theywereonthealertconstantly，andfoundtheirofficenochild’splay。
Wherefore，atlast，whentheladies’visitwasdrawingtoacloseandtheLordGuilfordDudleywasannounced，theynotonlyfeltthattheirchargehadbeensufficientlytaxedforthepresent，butalsothattheythemselveswerenotinthebestconditiontotaketheirshipbackandmaketheiranxiousvoyagealloveragain。SotheyrespectfullyadvisedTomtoexcusehimself，whichhewasverygladtodo，althoughaslightshadeofdisappointmentmighthavebeenobserveduponmyLadyJane’sfacewhensheheardthesplendidstriplingdeniedadmittance。
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