Theprocessionmovedon，andstillon，throughever—augmentingsplendorsandever—augmentingtempestsofwelcome；buttoTomCantytheywereasiftheyhadnotbeen。Heneithersawnorheard。Royaltyhadlostitsgraceandsweetness；itspompswerebecomeareproach。
Remorsewaseatinghisheartout。Hesaid，’WouldGodIwerefreeofmycaptivity！’
Hehadunconsciouslydroppedbackintothephraseologyofthefirstdaysofhiscompulsorygreatness。
Theshiningpageantstillwentwindinglikearadiantandinterminableserpentdownthecrookedlanesofthequaintoldcity，andthroughthehuzzainghosts；butstillthekingrodewithbowedheadandvacanteyes，seeingonlyhismother’sfaceandthatwoundedlookinit。
’Largess，largess！’Thecryfelluponanunheedingear。
’LongliveEdwardofEngland！’Itseemedasiftheearthshookwiththeexplosion；buttherewasnoresponsefromtheking。Hehearditonlyasonehearsthethunderofthesurfwhenitisblowntotheearoutofagreatdistance，foritwassmotheredunderanothersoundwhichwasstillnearer，inhisownbreast，inhisaccusingconscience—avoicewhichkeptrepeatingthoseshamefulwords，’Idonotknowyou，woman！’
Thewordssmoteupontheking’ssoulasthestrokesofafuneralbellsmiteuponthesoulofasurvivingfriendwhentheyremindhimofsecrettreacheriessufferedathishandsbyhimthatisgone。
Newglorieswereunfoldedateveryturning；newwonders，newmarvels，sprungintoview；thepentclamorsofwaitingbatterieswerereleased；newrapturespouredfromthethroatsofthewaitingmultitudes；butthekinggavenosign，andtheaccusingvoicethatwentmoaningthroughhiscomfortlessbreastwasallthesoundheheard。
Byandbythegladnessinthefacesofthepopulacechangedalittle，andbecametouchedwithasomethinglikesolicitudeoranxiety；anabatementinthevolumeofapplausewasobservabletoo。
TheLordProtectorwasquicktonoticethesethings；hewasasquicktodetectthecause。Hespurredtotheking’sside，bentlowinhissaddle，uncovered，andsaid：
’Myliege，itisanilltimefordreaming。Thepeopleobservethydowncasthead，thycloudedmien，andtheytakeitforanomen。
Beadvised；unveilthesunofroyalty，andletitshineuponthesebodingvapors，anddispersethem。Liftupthyface，andsmileuponthepeople。’
Sosaying，thedukescatteredahandfulofcoinstorightandleft，thenretiredtohisplace。Themockkingdidmechanicallyashehadbeenbidden。Hissmilehadnoheartinit，butfeweyeswerenearenoughorsharpenoughtodetectthat。Thenoddingsofhisplumedheadashesalutedhissubjectswerefullofgraceandgraciousness；
thelargesswhichhedeliveredfromhishandwasroyallyliberal；sothepeople’sanxietyvanished，andtheacclamationsburstforthagaininasmightyavolumeasbefore。
Stilloncemore，alittlebeforetheprogresswasended，thedukewasobligedtorideforward，andmakeremonstrance。Hewhispered：
’Odreadsovereign！shakeoffthesefatalhumors；theeyesoftheworldareuponthee。’Thenheaddedwithsharpannoyance，’Perditioncatchthatcrazypauper！’twasshethathathdisturbedyourHighness。’
Thegorgeousfigureturnedalusterlesseyeupontheduke，andsaidinadeadvoice：
’Shewasmymother！’
’MyGod！’groanedtheProtectorashereinedhishorsebackwardtohispost，’theomenwaspregnantwithprophecy。Heisgonemadagain！’
CHAPTERXXXII
CoronationDayLETusgobackwardafewhours，andplaceourselvesinWestminsterAbbey，atfouro’clockinthemorningofthismemorableCoronationDay。Wearenotwithoutcompany；foralthoughitisstillnight，wefindthetorch—lightedgalleriesalreadyfillingupwithpeoplewhoarewellcontenttositstillandwaitsevenoreighthourstillthetimeshallcomeforthemtoseewhattheymaynothopetoseetwiceintheirlives—thecoronationofaking。Yes，LondonandWestminsterhavebeenastireversincethewarninggunsboomedatthreeo’clock，andalreadycrowdsofuntitledrichfolkwhohaveboughttheprivilegeoftryingtofindsitting—roominthegalleriesareflockinginattheentrancesreservedfortheirsort。
Thehoursdragalong，tediouslyenough。Allstirhasceasedforsometime，foreverygalleryhaslongagobeenpacked。Wemaysitnow，andlookandthinkatourleisure。Wehaveglimpseshereandthereandyonder，throughthedimcathedraltwilight，ofportionsofmanygalleriesandbalconies，wedgedfullwithpeople，theotherportionsofthesegalleriesandbalconiesbeingcutofffromsightbyinterveningpillarsandarchitecturalprojections。Wehaveinviewthewholeofthegreatnorthtransept—empty，andwaitingforEngland’sprivilegedones。Weseealsotheampleareaorplatform，carpetedwithrichstuffs，whereonthethronestands。Thethroneoccupiesthecenteroftheplatform，andisraisedaboveituponanelevationoffoursteps。Withintheseatofthethroneisinclosedaroughflatrock—
theStoneofScone—whichmanygenerationsofScottishkingssatontobecrowned，andsoitintimebecameholyenoughtoansweralikepurposeforEnglishmonarchs。Boththethroneanditsfootstoolarecoveredwithcloth—of—gold。
Stillnessreigns，thetorchesblinkdully，thetimedragsheavily。
Butatlastthelaggingdaylightassertsitself，thetorchesareextinguished，andamellowradiancesuffusesthegreatspaces。Allfeaturesofthenoblebuildingaredistinctnow，butsoftanddreamy，forthesunislightlyveiledwithclouds。
Atseveno’clockthefirstbreakinthedrowsymonotonyoccurs；
foronthestrokeofthishourthefirstpeeressentersthetransept，clothedlikeSolomonforsplendor，andisconductedtoherappointedplacebyanofficialcladinsatinsandvelvets，whilstaduplicateofhimgathersupthelady’slongtrain，followsafter，and，whentheladyisseated，arrangesthetrainacrossherlapforher。Hethenplacesherfootstoolaccordingtoherdesire，afterwhichheputshercoronetwhereitwillbeconvenienttoherhandwhenthetimeforthesimultaneouscoronetingofthenoblesshallarrive。
Bythistimethepeeressesareflowingininaglitteringstream，andsatin—cladofficialsareflittingandglintingeverywhere，seatingthemandmakingthemcomfortable。Thesceneisanimatedenoughnow。Thereisstirandlife，andshiftingcoloreverywhere。Afteratime，quietreignsagain；forthepeeressesareallcome，andareallintheirplaces—asolidacre，orsuchamatter，ofhumanflowers，resplendentinvariegatedcolors，andfrostedlikeaMilkyWaywithdiamonds。Thereareallageshere：brown，wrinkled，white—haireddowagerswhoareabletogoback，andstillback，downthestreamoftime，andrecallthecrowningofRichardIIIandthetroublousdaysofthatoldforgottenage；andtherearehandsomemiddle—ageddames；
andlovelyandgraciousyoungmatrons；andgentleandbeautifulyounggirls，withbeamingeyesandfreshcomplexions，whomaypossiblyputontheirjeweledcoronetsawkwardlywhenthegreattimecomes；forthematterwillbenewtothem，andtheirexcitementwillbeasorehindrance。Still，thismaynothappen，forthehairofalltheseladieshasbeenarrangedwithaspecialviewtotheswiftandsuccessfullodgingofthecrowninitsplacewhenthesignalcomes。
Wehaveseenthatthismassedarrayofpeeressesissownthickwithdiamonds，andwealsoseethatitisamarvelousspectacle—butnowweareabouttobeastonishedinearnest。Aboutnine，thecloudssuddenlybreakawayandashaftofsunshinecleavesthemellowatmosphere，anddriftsslowlyalongtheranksofladies；andeveryrankittouchesflamesintoadazzlingsplendorofmany—coloredfires，andwetingletoourfinger—tipswiththeelectricthrillthatisshotthroughusbythesurpriseandthebeautyofthespectacle！
PresentlyaspecialenvoyfromsomedistantcorneroftheOrient，marchingwiththegeneralbodyofforeignambassadors，crossesthisbarofsunshine，andwecatchourbreath，theglorythatstreamsandflashesandpalpitatesabouthimissooverpowering；forheiscrustedfromheadtoheelswithgems，andhisslightestmovementshowersadancingradianceallaroundhim。
Letuschangethetenseforconvenience。Thetimedriftedalong—
onehour—twohours—twohoursandahalf；thenthedeepboomingofartillerytoldthatthekingandhisgrandprocessionhadarrivedatlast；sothewaitingmultituderejoiced。Allknewthatafurtherdelaymustfollow，forthekingmustbepreparedandrobedforthesolemnceremony；butthisdelaywouldbepleasantlyoccupiedbytheassemblingofthepeersoftherealmintheirstatelyrobes。Thesewereconductedceremoniouslytotheirseats，andtheircoronetsplacedconvenientlyathand；andmeanwhilethemultitudeinthegallerieswerealivewithinterest，formostofthemwerebeholdingforthefirsttime，dukes，earls，andbarons，whosenameshadbeenhistoricalforfivehundredyears。Whenallwerefinallyseated，thespectaclefromthegalleriesandallcoignsofvantagewascomplete；agorgeousonetolookuponandtoremember。
Nowtherobedandmiteredgreatheadsofthechurch，andtheirattendants，filedinupontheplatformandtooktheirappointedplaces；thesewerefollowedbytheLordProtectorandothergreatofficials，andtheseagainbyasteel—claddetachmentoftheGuard。
Therewasawaitingpause；then，atasignal，atriumphantpealofmusicburstforth，andTomCanty，dothedinalongrobeofcloth—of—gold，appearedatadoor，andsteppedupontheplatform。
Theentiremultituderose，andtheceremonyoftheRecognitionensued。
ThenanobleanthemswepttheAbbeywithitsrichwavesofsound；andthusheraldedandwelcomed，TomCantywasconductedtothethrone。Theancientceremonieswentonwithimpressivesolemnity，whilsttheaudiencegazed；andastheydrewnearerandnearertocompletion，TomCantygrewpale，andstillpaler，andadeepandsteadilydeepeningwoeanddespondencysettleddownuponhisspiritsanduponhisremorsefulheart。
Atlastthefinalactwasathand。TheArchbishopofCanterburyliftedupthecrownofEnglandfromitscushionandhelditoutoverthetremblingmockking’shead。Inthesameinstantarainbowradianceflashedalongthespacioustransept；forwithoneimpulseeveryindividualinthegreatconcourseofnoblesliftedacoronetandpoiseditoverhisorherhead—andpausedinthatattitude。
AdeephushpervadedtheAbbey。Atthisimpressivemoment，astartlingapparitionintrudeduponthescene—anapparitionobservedbynoneintheabsorbedmultitude，untilitsuddenlyappeared，movingupthegreatcentralaisle。Itwasaboy，bareheaded，illshod，andclothedincoarseplebeiangarmentsthatwerefallingtorags。
Heraisedhishandwithasolemnitywhichillcomportedwithhissoiledandsorryaspect，anddeliveredthisnoteofwarning：
’IforbidyoutosetthecrownofEnglanduponthatforfeitedhead。Iamtheking！’
Inaninstantseveralindignanthandswerelaidupontheboy；
butinthesameinstantTomCanty，inhisregalvestments，madeaswiftstepforwardandcriedoutinaringingvoice：
’Loosehimandforbear！Heistheking！’
Asortofpanicofastonishmentswepttheassemblage，andtheypartlyroseintheirplacesandstaredinabewilderedwayatoneanotherandatthechieffiguresinthisscene，likepersonswhowonderedwhethertheywereawakeandintheirsenses，orasleepanddreaming。TheLordProtectorwasasamazedastherest，butquicklyrecoveredhimselfandexclaimedinavoiceofauthority：
’MindnothisMajesty，hismaladyisuponhimagain—seizethevagabond！’
Hewouldhavebeenobeyed，butthemockkingstampedhisfootandcriedout：
’Onyourperil！Touchhimnot，heistheking！’
Thehandswerewithheld；aparalysisfelluponthehouse，noonemoved，noonespoke；indeed，nooneknewhowtoactorwhattosay，insostrangeandsurprisinganemergency。Whileallmindswerestrugglingtorightthemselves，theboystillmovedsteadilyforward，withhighportandconfidentmien；hehadneverhaltedfromthebeginning；andwhilethetangledmindsstillflounderedhelplessly，hesteppedupontheplatform，andthemockkingranwithagladfacetomeethim；andfellonhiskneesbeforehimandsaid：
’Oh，mylordtheking，letpoorTomCantybefirsttoswearfealtytothee，andsay"Putonthycrownandenterintothineownagain！"’
TheLordProtector’seyefellsternlyuponthenew—comer’sface；
butstraightwaythesternnessvanishedaway，andgaveplacetoanexpressionofwonderingsurprise。Thisthinghappenedalsototheothergreatofficers。Theyglancedateachother，andretreatedastepbyacommonandunconsciousimpulse。Thethoughtineachmindwasthesame：’Whatastrangeresemblance！’
TheLordProtectorreflectedamomentortwoinperplexity，thenhesaid，withgraverespectfulness：
’Byyourfavor，sir，Idesiretoaskcertainquestionswhich—’
’Iwillanswerthem，mylord。’
Thedukeaskedhimmanyquestionsaboutthecourt，thelateking，theprince，theprincesses。Theboyansweredthemcorrectlyandwithouthesitating。Hedescribedtheroomsofstateinthepalace，thelateking’sapartments，andthoseofthePrinceofWales。
Itwasstrange；itwaswonderful；yes，itwasunaccountable—soallsaidthatheardit。Thetidewasbeginningtoturn，andTomCanty’shopestorunhigh，whentheLordProtectorshookhisheadandsaid：
’Itistrueitismostwonderful—butitisnomorethanourlordthekinglikewisecando。’Thisremark，andthisreferencetohimself，asstilltheking，saddenedTomCanty，andhefelthishopescrumblingfromunderhim。
’Thesearenotproofs，’addedtheProtector。
Thetidewasturningveryfastnow，veryfast，indeed—butinthewrongdirection；itwasleavingpoorTomCantystrandedonthethrone，andsweepingtheotherouttosea。TheLordProtectorcommunedwithhimself—shookhishead—thethoughtforceditselfuponhim，’Itisperiloustothestateandtousall，toentertainsofatefulariddleasthis；itcoulddividethenationandunderminethethrone。’Heturnedandsaid，’SirThomas，arrestthis—No，hold！’Hisfacelighted，andheconfrontedtheraggedcandidatewiththisquestion：
’WherelieththeGreatSeal？Answermethistruly，andtheriddleisunriddled；foronlyhethatwasPrinceofWalescansoanswer！Onsotrivialathinghangathroneandadynasty！’
Itwasaluckythought，ahappythought。Thatitwassoconsideredbythegreatofficialswasmanifestedbythesilentapplausethatshotfromeyetoeyearoundtheircircleintheformofbrightapprovingglances。Yes，nonebutthetrueprincecoulddissolvethestubbornmysteryofthevanishedGreatSeal—thisforlornlittleimpostorhadbeentaughthislessonwell，butherehisteachingsmustfail，forhisteacherhimselfcouldnotanswerthatquestion—ah，verygood，verygoodindeed；nowweshallberidofthistroublesomeandperilousbusinessinshortorder！Andsotheynoddedinvisiblyandsmiledinwardlywithsatisfaction，andlookedtoseethisfoolishladstrickenwithapalsyofguiltyconfusion。Howsurprisedtheywere，then，toseenothingofthesorthappen—howtheymarveledtohearhimansweruppromptly，inaconfidentanduntroubledvoice，andsay：
’Thereisnaughtinthisriddlethatisdifficult。’Then，withoutsomuchasaby—your—leavetoanybody，heturnedandgavethiscommand，withtheeasymannerofoneaccustomedtodoingsuchthings：’MyLordSt。John，goyoutomyprivatecabinetinthepalace—
fornoneknoweththeplacebetterthanyou—and，closedowntothefloor，intheleftcornerremotestfromthedoorthatopensfromtheantechamber，youshallfindinthewallabrazennail—head；pressuponitandalittlejewelclosetwillflyopenwhichnotevenyoudoknowof—no，noranysoulelseinalltheworldbutmeandthetrustyartisanthatdidcontriveitforme。ThefirstthingthatfallethunderyoureyewillbetheGreatSeal—fetchithither。’
Allthecompanywonderedatthisspeech，andwonderedstillmoretoseethelittlemendicantpickoutthispeerwithouthesitancyorapparentfearofmistake，andcallhimbynamewithsuchaplacidlyconvincingairofhavingknownhimallhislife。Thepeerwasalmostsurprisedintoobeying。Heevenmadeamovementasiftogo，butquicklyrecoveredhistranquilattitudeandconfessedhisblunderwithablush。TomCantyturneduponhimandsaid，sharply：
’Whydostthouhesitate？Hastnotheardtheking’scommand？Go！’
TheLordSt。Johnmadeadeepobeisance—anditwasobservedthatitwasasignificantlycautiousandnon—committalone，itnotbeingdeliveredateitherofthekings，butattheneutralgroundabouthalf—waybetweenthetwo—andtookhisleave。
Nowbeganamovementofthegorgeousparticlesofthatofficialgroupwhichwasslow，scarcelyperceptible，andyetsteadyandpersistent—amovementsuchasisobservedinakaleidoscopethatisturnedslowly，wherebythecomponentsofonesplendidclusterfallawayandjointhemselvestoanother—amovementwhich，littlebylittle，inthepresentcase，dissolvedtheglitteringcrowdthatstoodaboutTomCantyandclusteredittogetheragainintheneighborhoodofthenew—comer。TomCantystoodalmostalone。Nowensuedabriefseasonofdeepsuspenseandwaiting—duringwhicheventhefewfaint—heartsstillremainingnearTomCantygraduallyscrapedtogethercourageenoughtoglide，onebyone，overtothemajority。SoatlastTomCanty，inhisroyalrobesandjewels，stoodwhollyaloneandisolatedfromtheworld，aconspicuousfigure，occupyinganeloquentvacancy。
NowtheLordSt。Johnwasseenreturning。Asheadvancedupthemid—aisletheinterestwassointensethatthelowmurmurofconversationinthegreatassemblagediedoutandwassucceededbyaprofoundhush，abreathlessstillness，throughwhichhisfootfallspulsedwithadullanddistantsound。Everyeyewasfasteneduponhimashemovedalong。Hereachedtheplatform，pausedamoment，thenmovedtowardTomCantywithadeepobeisance，andsaid：
’Sire，theSealisnotthere！’
Amobdoesnotmeltawayfromthepresenceofaplague—patientwithmorehastethanthebandofpallidandterrifiedcourtiersmeltedawayfromthepresenceoftheshabbylittleclaimantoftheCrown。
Inamomenthestoodallalone，withoutafriendorsupporter，atargetuponwhichwasconcentratedabitterfireofscornfulandangrylooks。TheLordProtectorcalledoutfiercely：
’Castthebeggarintothestreet，andscourgehimthroughthetown—thepaltryknaveisworthnomoreconsideration！’
Officersoftheguardsprangforwardtoobey，butTomCantywavedthemoffandsaid：
’Back！Whosotoucheshimperilshislife！’
TheLordProtectorwasperplexedinthelastdegree。HesaidtotheLordSt。John：
’Searchedyouwell？—butitbootsnottoaskthat。Itdothseempassingstrange。Littlethings，trifles，slipoutofone’sken，andonedoesnotthinkitmatterforsurprise；buthowasobulkythingastheSealofEnglandcanvanishawayandnomanbeabletogettrackofitagain—amassygoldendisk—’
TomCanty，withbeamingeyes，sprangforwardandshouted：
’Hold，thatisenough！Wasitround？—andthick？—andhaditlettersanddevicesgraveduponit？—Yes？Oh，nowIknowwhatthisGreatSealisthatthere’sbeensuchworryandpotherabout！Anyehaddescribedittome，yecouldhavehaditthreeweeksago。RightwellI
knowwhereitlies；butitwasnotIthatputitthere—first。’
’Who，then，myliege？’askedtheLordProtector。
’Hethatstandsthere—therightfulkingofEngland。Andheshalltellyouhimselfwhereitlies—thenyouwillbelieveheknewitofhisownknowledge。Bethinkthee，myking—spurthymemory—itwasthelast，theverylastthingthoudidstthatdaybeforethoudidstrushforthfromthepalace，clothedinmyrags，topunishthesoldierthatinsultedme。’
Asilenceensued，undisturbedbyamovementorawhisper，andalleyeswerefixeduponthenew—comer，whostood，withbentheadandcorrugatedbrow，gropinginhismemoryamongathrongingmultitudeofvaluelessrecollectionsforonesinglelittleelusivefact，whichfound，wouldseathimuponathrone—unfound，wouldleavehimashewas，forgoodandall—apauperandanoutcast。Momentaftermomentpassed—themomentsbuiltthemselvesintominutes—stilltheboystruggledsilentlyon，andgavenosign。Butatlastheheavedasigh，shookhisheadslowly，andsaid，withatremblinglipandinadespondentvoice：
’Icallthesceneback—allofit—buttheSealhathnoplaceinit。’Hepaused，thenlookedup，andsaidwithgentledignity，’Mylordsandgentlemen，ifyewillrobyourrightfulsovereignofhisownforlackofthisevidencewhichheisnotabletofurnish，Imaynotstayye，beingpowerless。But—’
’Ofolly，Omadness，myking！’criedTomCanty，inapanic，’wait！—think！Donotgiveup！—thecauseisnotlost！Norshallbe，neither！ListtowhatIsay—followeveryword—Iamgoingtobringthatmorningbackagain，everyhapjustasithappened。Wetalked—I
toldyouofmysisters，NanandBet—ah，yes，yourememberthat；andaboutmineoldgrandam—andtheroughgamesoftheladsofOffalCourt—yes，yourememberthesethingsalso；verywell，followmestill，youshallrecalleverything。Yougavemefoodanddrink，anddidwithprincelycourtesysendawaytheservants，sothatmylowbreedingmightnotshamemebeforethem—ah，yes，thisalsoyouremember。’
AsTomcheckedoffhisdetails，andtheotherboynoddedhisheadinrecognitionofthem，thegreataudienceandtheofficialsstaredinpuzzledwonderment；thetalesoundedliketruehistory，yethowcouldthisimpossibleconjunctionbetweenaprinceandabeggarboyhavecomeabout？Neverwasacompanyofpeoplesoperplexed，sointerested，andsostupefied，before。
’Forajest，myprince，wedidexchangegarments。Thenwestoodbeforeamirror；andsoalikewerewethatbothsaiditseemedasiftherehadbeennochangemade—yes，yourememberthat。Thenyounoticedthatthesoldierhadhurtmyhand—look！hereitis，I
cannotyetevenwritewithit，thefingersaresostiff。AtthisyourHighnesssprangup，vowingvengeanceuponthatsoldier，andrantowardthedoor—youpassedatable—thatthingyoucalltheSeallayonthattable—yousnatcheditupandlookedeagerlyabout，asifforaplacetohideit—youreyecaughtsightof—’
’There，’tissufficient！—andthedearGodbethanked！’
exclaimedtheraggedclaimant，inamightyexcitement。’Go，mygoodSt。John—inanarm—pieceoftheMilanesearmorthathangsonthewall，thou’ltfindtheSeal！’
’Right，myking！right！’criedTomCanty；’nowthescepterofEnglandisthineown；anditwerebetterforhimthatwoulddisputeitthathehadbeenborndumb！Go，myLordSt。John，givethyfeetwings！’
Thewholeassemblagewasonitsfeetnow，andwell—nighoutofitsmindwithuneasiness，apprehension，andconsumingexcitement。Onthefloorandontheplatformadeafeningbuzzoffranticconversationburstforth，andforsometimenobodyknewanythingorheardanythingorwasinterestedinanythingbutwhathisneighborwasshoutingintohisear，orhewasshoutingintohisneighbor’sear。
Time—nobodyknewhowmuchofit—sweptbyunheededandunnoted。Atlastasuddenhushfelluponthehouse，andinthesamemomentSt。
JohnappearedupontheplatformandheldtheGreatSealaloftinhishand。Thensuchashoutwentup！
’Longlivethetrueking！’
Forfiveminutestheairquakedwithshoutsandthecrashofmusicalinstruments，andwaswhitewithastormofwavinghandkerchiefs；andthroughitallaraggedlad，themostconspicuousfigureinEngland，stood，flushedandhappyandproud，inthecenterofthespaciousplatform，withthegreatvassalsofthekingdomkneelingaroundhim。
Thenallrose，andTomCantycriedout：
’Now，Omyking，taketheseregalgarmentsback，andgivepoorTom，thyservant，hisshredsandremnantsagain。’
TheLordProtectorspokeup：
’LetthesmallvarletbestrippedandflungintotheTower。’
Butthenewking，thetrueking，said：
’Iwillnothaveitso。ButforhimIhadnotgotmycrownagain—noneshalllayahanduponhimtoharmhim。Andasforthee，mygooduncle，myLordProtector，thisconductofthineisnotgratefultowardthispoorlad，forIhearhehathmadetheeaduke’—theProtectorblushed—’yethewasnotaking；wherefore，whatisthyfinetitleworthnow？To—morrowyoushallsuetome，throughhim，foritsconfirmation，elsenoduke，butasimpleearl，shaltthouremain。’
Underthisrebuke，hisgracetheDukeofSomersetretiredalittlefromthefrontforthemoment。ThekingturnedtoTom，andsaid，kindly：
’Mypoorboy，howwasitthatyoucouldrememberwhereIhidtheSealwhenIcouldnotrememberitmyself？’
’Ah，myking，thatwaseasy，sinceIuseditdiversdays。’
’Usedit—yetcouldnotexplainwhereitwas？’
’Ididnotknowitwasthattheywanted。Theydidnotdescribeit，yourmajesty。’
’Thenhowusedyouit？’
TheredbloodbegantostealupintoTom’scheeks，andhedroppedhiseyesandwassilent。
’Speakup，goodlad，andfearnothing，’saidtheking。’HowusedyoutheGreatSealofEngland？’
Tomstammeredamoment，inapatheticconfusion，thengotitout：
’Tocracknutswith！’
Poorchild，theavalancheoflaughterthatgreetedthis，nearlyswepthimoffhisfeet。ButifadoubtremainedinanymindthatTomCantywasnotthekingofEnglandandfamiliarwiththeaugustappurtenancesofroyalty，thisreplydisposedofitutterly。
MeantimethesumptuousrobeofstatehadbeenremovedfromTom’sshoulderstotheking’s，whoseragswereeffectivelyhiddenfromsightunderit。Thenthecoronationceremonieswereresumed；thetruekingwasanointedandthecrownsetuponhishead，whilstcannonthunderedthenewstothecity，andallLondonseemedtorockwithapplause。
CHAPTERXXXIII
EdwardasKingMILESHENDONwaspicturesqueenoughbeforehegotintotheriotonLondonBridge—hewasmoresowhenhegotoutofit。Hehadbutlittlemoneywhenhegotin，noneatallwhenhegotout。Thepickpocketshadstrippedhimofhislastfarthing。
Butnomatter，sohefoundhisboy。Beingasoldier，hedidnotgoathistaskinarandomway，butsettowork，firstofall，toarrangehiscampaign。
Whatwouldtheboynaturallydo？Wherewouldhenaturallygo？
Well—arguedMiles—hewouldnaturallygotohisformerhaunts，forthatistheinstinctofunsoundminds，whenhomelessandforsaken，aswellasofsoundones。Whereaboutswerehisformerhaunts？Hisrags，takentogetherwiththelowvillainwhoseemedtoknowhimandwhoevenclaimedtobehisfather，indicatedthathishomewasinoneorotherofthepoorestandmeanestdistrictsofLondon。Wouldthesearchforhimbedifficult，orlong？No，itwaslikelytobeeasyandbrief。Hewouldnothuntfortheboy，hewouldhuntforacrowd；inthecenterofabigcrowdoralittleone，soonerorlaterheshouldfindhispoorlittlefriend，sure；andthemangymobwouldbeentertainingitselfwithpesteringandaggravatingtheboy，whowouldbeproclaiminghimselfking，asusual。ThenMilesHendonwouldcripplesomeofthosepeople，andcarryoffhislittleward，andcomfortandcheerhimwithlovingwords，andthetwowouldneverbeseparatedanymore。
SoMilesstartedonhisquest。Hourafterhourhetrampedthroughbackalleysandsqualidstreets，seekinggroupsandcrowds，andfindingnoendofthem，butneveranysignoftheboy。Thisgreatlysurprisedhim，butdidnotdiscouragehim。Tohisnotion，therewasnothingthematterwithhisplanofcampaign；theonlymiscalculationaboutitwasthatthecampaignwasbecomingalengthyone，whereashehadexpectedittobeshort。
Whendaylightarrivedatlast，hehadmademanyamile，andcanvassedmanyacrowd，buttheonlyresultwasthathewastolerablytired，ratherhungry，andverysleepy。Hewantedsomebreakfast，buttherewasnowaytogetit。Tobegforitdidnotoccurtohim；astopawninghissword，hewouldassoonhavethoughtofpartingwithhishonor；hecouldsparesomeofhisclothes—yes，butonecouldaseasilyfindacustomerforadiseaseasforsuchclothes。
Atnoonhewasstilltramping—amongtherabblewhichfollowedaftertheroyalprocessionnow；forhearguedthatthisregaldisplaywouldattracthislittlelunaticpowerfully。HefollowedthepageantthroughallitsdeviouswindingsaboutLondon，andallthewaytoWestminsterandtheAbbey。Hedriftedhereandthereamongthemultitudesthatweremassedinthevicinityforawearylongtime，baffledandperplexed，andfinallywanderedoffthinking，andtryingtocontrivesomewaytobetterhisplanofcampaign。Byandby，whenhecametohimselfoutofhismusings，hediscoveredthatthetownwasfarbehindhimandthatthedaywasgrowingold。Hewasneartheriver，andinthecountry；itwasaregionoffineruralseats—notthesortofdistricttowelcomeclotheslikehis。
Itwasnotatallcold；sohestretchedhimselfonthegroundintheleeofahedgetorestandthink。Drowsinesspresentlybegantosettleuponhissenses；thefaintandfar—offboomofcannonwaswaftedtohisear，andhesaidtohimself，’Thenewkingiscrowned，’andstraightwayfellasleep。Hehadnotsleptorrested，before，formorethanthirtyhours。Hedidnotwakeagainuntilnearthemiddleofthenextmorning。
Hegotup，lame，stiff，andhalffamished，washedhimselfintheriver，stayedhisstomachwithapintortwoofwater，andtrudgedofftowardWestminstergrumblingathimselfforhavingwastedsomuchtime。Hungerhelpedhimtoanewplannow；hewouldtrytogetspeechwitholdSirHumphreyMarlowandborrowafewmarks，and—butthatwasenoughofaplanforthepresent；itwouldbetimeenoughtoenlargeitwhenthisfirststageshouldbeaccomplished。
Towardeleveno’clockheapproachedthepalace；andalthoughahostofshowypeoplewereabouthim，movinginthesamedirection，hewasnotinconspicuous—hiscostumetookcareofthat。Hewatchedthesepeople’sfacesnarrowly，hopingtofindacharitableonewhosepossessormightbewillingtocarryhisnametotheoldlieutenant—astotryingtogetintothepalacehimself，thatwassimplyoutofthequestion。
Presentlyourwhipping—boypassedhim，thenwheeledaboutandscannedhisfigurewell，sayingtohimself，’Anthatisnottheveryvagabondhismajestyisinsuchaworryabout，thenamIanass—
thoughbelikeIwasthatbefore。Heanswereththedescriptiontoarag—thatGodshouldmaketwosuch，wouldbetocheapenmiracles，bywastefulrepetition。IwouldIcouldcontriveanexcusetospeakwithhim。’
MilesHendonsavedhimthetrouble；forheturnedabout，then，asamangenerallywillwhensomebodymesmerizeshimbygazinghardathimfrombehind；andobservingastronginterestintheboy’seyes，hesteppedtowardhimandsaid：
’Youhavejustcomeoutfromthepalace；doyoubelongthere？’
’Yes，yourworship。’
’KnowyouSirHumphreyMarlow？’
Theboystarted，andsaidtohimself，’Lord！mineolddepartedfather！’Thenheanswered，aloud，’Rightwell，yourworship。’
’Good—ishewithin？’
’Yes，’saidtheboy；andadded，tohimself，’withinhisgrave。’
MightIcraveyourfavortocarrymynametohim，andsayIbegtosayawordinhisear？’
’Iwilldespatchthebusinessrightwillingly，fairsir。’
’ThensayMilesHendon，sonofSirRichard，isherewithout—I
shallbegreatlyboundentoyou，mygoodlad。’
Theboylookeddisappointed—’thekingdidnotnamehimso，’hesaidtohimself—’butitmatterethnot，thisishistwinbrother，andcangivehismajestynewsoft’otherSir—Odds—and—Ends，I
warrant。’SohesaidtoMiles，’Stepinthereamoment，goodsir，andwaittillIbringyouword。’
Hendonretiredtotheplaceindicated—itwasarecesssunkinthepalacewall，withastonebenchinit—ashelterforsentinelsinbadweather。Hehadhardlyseatedhimselfwhensomehalberdiers，inchargeofanofficer，passedby。Theofficersawhim，haltedhismen，andcommandedHendontocomeforth。Heobeyed，andwaspromptlyarrestedasasuspiciouscharacterprowlingwithintheprecinctsofthepalace。Thingsbegantolookugly。PoorMileswasgoingtoexplain，buttheofficerroughlysilencedhim，andorderedhismentodisarmhimandsearchhim。
’Godofhismercygrantthattheyfindsomewhat，’saidpoorMiles；
’Ihavesearchedenow，andfailed，yetismyneedgreaterthantheirs。’
Nothingwasfoundbutadocument。Theofficertoreitopen，andHendonsmiledwhenherecognizedthe’pot—hooks’madebyhislostlittlefriendthatblackdayatHendonHall。Theofficer’sfacegrewdarkashereadtheEnglishparagraph，andMilesblenchedtotheoppositecolorashelistened。
’Anothernewclaimantofthecrown！’criedtheofficer。’Verilytheybreedlikerabbitsto—day。Seizetherascal，men，andseeyekeephimfastwhileIconveythispreciouspaperwithinandsendittotheking。
Hehurriedaway，leavingtheprisonerinthegripofthehalberdiers。
’Nowismyevilluckendedatlast，’mutteredHendon，’forIshalldangleatarope’sendforacertainty，byreasonofthatbitofwriting。Andwhatwillbecomeofmypoorlad！—ah，onlythegoodGodknoweth。’
Byandbyhesawtheofficercomingagain，inagreathurry；sohepluckedhiscouragetogether，purposingtomeethistroubleasbecameaman。Theofficerorderedthementoloosetheprisonerandreturnhisswordtohim；thenbowedrespectfully，andsaid：
’Pleaseyou，sir，tofollowme。’
Hendonfollowed，sayingtohimself，’AnIwerenottravellingtodeathandjudgment，andsomustneedseconomizeinsin，Iwouldthrottlethisknaveforhismockcourtesy。’
Thetwotraversedapopulouscourt，andarrivedatthegrandentranceofthepalace，wheretheofficer，withanotherbow，deliveredHendonintothehandsofagorgeousofficial，whoreceivedhimwithprofoundrespectandledhimforwardthroughagreathall，linedonbothsideswithrowsofsplendidflunkies（whomadereverentialobeisanceasthetwopassedalong，butfellintodeath—throesofsilentlaughteratourstatelyscarecrowthemomenthisbackwasturned），andupabroadstaircase，amongflocksoffinefolk，andfinallyconductedhimtoavastroom，cloveapassageforhimthroughtheassemblednobilityofEngland，thenmadeabow，remindedhimtotakehishatoff，andlefthimstandinginthemiddleoftheroom，amarkforalleyes，forplentyofindignantfrowns，andforasufficiencyofamusedandderisivesmiles。
MilesHendonwasentirelybewildered。Theresattheyoungking，underacanopyofstate，fivestepsaway，withhisheadbentdownandaside，speakingwithasortofhumanbirdofparadise—aduke，maybe；Hendonobservedtohimselfthatitwashardenoughtobesentencedtodeathinthefullvigoroflife，withouthavingthispeculiarlypublichumiliationadded。Hewishedthekingwouldhurryaboutit—someofthegaudypeoplenearbywerebecomingprettyoffensive。AtthismomentthekingraisedhisheadslightlyandHendoncaughtagoodviewofhisface。Thesightnearlytookhisbreathaway！
Hestoodgazingatthefairyoungfacelikeonetransfixed；thenpresentlyejaculated：
’Lo，thelordoftheKingdomofDreamsandShadowsonhisthrone！’
Hemutteredsomebrokensentences，stillgazingandmarveling；
thenturnedhiseyesaroundandabout，scanningthegorgeousthrongandthesplendidsaloon，murmuring，’Butthesearereal—verilythesearereal—surelyitisnotadream。’
Hestaredatthekingagain—andthought，’Isitadream？……orishetheveritablesovereignofEngland，andnotthefriendlesspoorTomo’BedlamItookhimfor—whoshallsolvemethisriddle？’
Asuddenideaflashedinhiseye，andhestrodetothewall，gatheredupachair，broughtitback，planteditonthefloor，andsatdowninit！
Abuzzofindignationbrokeout，aroughhandwaslaiduponhim，andavoiceexclaimed：
’Up，thoumannerlessclown！—wouldstsitinthepresenceoftheking？’
Thedisturbanceattractedhismajesty’sattention，whostretchedforthhishandandcriedout：
’Touchhimnot，itishisright！’
Thethrongfellback，stupefied。Thekingwenton：
’Learnyeall，ladies，lordsandgentlemen，thatthisismytrustyandwell—belovedservant，MilesHendon，whointerposedhisgoodswordandsavedhisprincefrombodilyharmandpossibledeath—andforthisheisaknight，bytheking’svoice。Alsolearn，thatforahigherservice，inthathesavedhissovereignstripesandshame，takingtheseuponhimself，heisapeerofEngland，EarlofKent，andshallhavegoldandlandsmeetforthedignity。More—theprivilegewhichhehathjustexercisedishisbyroyalgrant；forwehaveordainedthatthechiefsofhislineshallhaveandholdtherighttositinthepresenceofthemajestyofEnglandhenceforth，ageafterage，solongasthecrownshallendure。Molesthimnot。’
Twopersons，who，throughdelay，hadonlyarrivedfromthecountryduringthismorning，andhadnowbeeninthisroomonlyfiveminutes，stoodlisteningtothesewordsandlookingattheking，thenatthescarecrow，thenatthekingagain，inasortoftorpidbewilderment。ThesewereSirHughandtheLadyEdith。Butthenewearldidnotseethem。Hewasstillstaringatthemonarch，inadazedway，andmuttering：
’Oh，bodyo’me！Thismypauper！Thismylunatic！ThisishewhomIwouldshowwhatgrandeurwas，inmyhouseofseventyroomsandsevenandtwentyservants！Thisishewhohadneverknownaughtbutragsforraiment，kicksforcomfort，andoffalfordiet！ThisishewhomIadoptedandwouldmakerespectable！WouldGodIhadabagtohidemyheadin！’
Thenhismannerssuddenlycamebacktohim，andhedroppeduponhisknees，withhishandsbetweentheking’s，andsworeallegianceanddidhomageforhislandsandtitles。Thenheroseandstoodrespectfullyaside，amarkstillforalleyes—andmuchenvy，too。
NowthekingdiscoveredSirHugh，andspokeout，withwrathfulvoiceandkindlingeye：
’Stripthisrobberofhisfalseshowandstolenestates，andputhimunderlockandkeytillIhaveneedofhim。’
ThelateSirHughwasledaway。
Therewasastirattheotherendoftheroomnow；theassemblagefellapart，andTomCanty，quaintlybutrichlyclothed，marcheddown，betweentheselivingwalls，precededbyanusher。Hekneltbeforetheking，whosaid：
’Ihavelearnedthestoryofthesepastfewweeks，andamwellpleasedwiththee。Thouhastgovernedtherealmwithrightroyalgentlenessandmercy。Thouhastfoundthymotherandthysistersagain？Good；theyshallbecaredfor—andthyfathershallhang，ifthoudesireitandthelawconsent。Know，allyethathearmyvoice，thatfromthisday，theythatabideintheshelterofChrist’sHospitalandsharetheking’sbounty，shallhavetheirmindsandheartsfed，aswellastheirbaserparts；andthisboyshalldwellthere，andholdthechiefplaceinitshonorablebodyofgovernors，duringlife。Andforthathehathbeenaking，itismeetthatotherthancommonobservanceshallbehisdue；wherefore，notethishisdressofstate，forbyitheshallbeknown，andnoneshallcopyit；
andwheresoeverheshallcome，itshallremindthepeoplethathehathbeenroyal，inhistime，andnoneshalldenyhimhisdueofreverenceorfailtogivehimsalutation。Hehaththethrone’sprotection，hehaththecrown’ssupport，heshallbeknownandcalledbythehonorabletitleoftheKing’sWard。’
TheproudandhappyTomCantyroseandkissedtheking’shand，andwasconductedfromthepresence。Hedidnotwasteanytime，butflewtohismother，totellherandNanandBetallaboutitandgetthemtohelphimenjoythegreatnews。*（22）
CONCLUSION
JusticeandRetributionWHENthemysterieswereallclearedup，itcameout，byconfessionofHughHendon，thathiswifehadrepudiatedMilesbyhiscommandthatdayatHendonHall—acommandassistedandsupportedbytheperfectlytrustworthypromisethatifshedidnotdenythathewasMilesHendon，andstandfirmlytoit，hewouldhaveherlife；
whereuponshesaidtakeit，shedidnotvalueit—andshewouldnotrepudiateMiles；thenherhusbandsaidhewouldspareherlife，buthaveMilesassassinated！Thiswasadifferentmatter；soshegaveherwordandkeptit。
Hughwasnotprosecutedforhisthreatsorforstealinghisbrother’sestatesandtitle，becausethewifeandbrotherwouldnottestifyagainsthim—andtheformerwouldnothavebeenallowedtodoit，evenifshehadwantedto。Hughdesertedhiswifeandwentovertothecontinent，wherehepresentlydied；andbyandbytheEarlofKentmarriedhisrelict。ThereweregrandtimesandrejoicingsatHendonvillagewhenthecouplepaidtheirfirstvisittotheHall。
TomCanty’sfatherwasneverheardofagain。
Thekingsoughtoutthefarmerwhohadbeenbrandedandsoldasaslave，andreclaimedhimfromhisevillifewiththeRuffler’sgang，andputhiminthewayofacomfortablelivelihood。
Healsotookthatoldlawyeroutofprisonandremittedhisfine。HeprovidedgoodhomesforthedaughtersofthetwoBaptistwomenwhomhesawburnedatthestake，androundlypunishedtheofficialwholaidtheundeservedstripesuponMilesHendon’sback。
Hesavedfromthegallowstheboywhohadcapturedthestrayfalcon，andalsothewomanwhohadstolentheremnantofclothfromaweaver；buthewastoolatetosavethemanwhohadbeenconvictedofkillingadeerintheroyalforest。
Heshowedfavortothejusticewhohadpitiedhimwhenhewassupposedtohavestolenapig，andhehadthegratificationofseeinghimgrowinthepublicesteemandbecomeagreatandhonoredman。
Aslongasthekinglivedhewasfondoftellingthestoryofhisadventures，allthrough，fromthehourthatthesentinelcuffedhimawayfromthepalacegatetillthefinalmidnightwhenhedeftlymixedhimselfintoagangofhurryingworkmenandsoslippedintotheAbbeyandclimbedupandhidhimselfintheConfessor’stomb，andthensleptsolong，nextday，thathecamewithinoneofmissingtheCoronationaltogether。Hesaidthatthefrequentrehearsingofthepreciouslessonkepthimstronginhispurposetomakeitsteachingsyieldbenefitstohispeople；andso，whilehislifewassparedheshouldcontinuetotellthestory，andthuskeepitssorrowfulspectaclesfreshinhismemoryandthespringsofpityreplenishedinhisheart。
MilesHendonandTomCantywerefavoritesoftheking，allthroughhisbriefreign，andhissinceremournerswhenhedied。ThegoodEarlofKenthadtoomuchgoodsensetoabusehispeculiarprivilege；butheexercisedittwiceaftertheinstancewehaveseenofitbeforehewascalledfromtheworld；onceattheaccessionofQueenMary，andonceattheaccessionofQueenElizabeth。AdescendantofhisexerciseditattheaccessionofJamesI。Beforethisone’ssonchosetousetheprivilege，nearaquarterofacenturyhadelapsed，andthe’privilegeoftheKents’hadfadedoutofmostpeople’smemories；so，whentheKentofthatdayappearedbeforeCharlesI
andhiscourtandsatdowninthesovereign’spresencetoassertandperpetuatetherightofhishouse，therewasafinestir，indeed！
Butthematterwassoonexplainedandtherightconfirmed。ThelastearlofthelinefellinthewarsoftheCommonwealthfightingfortheking，andtheoddprivilegeendedwithhim。
TomCantylivedtobeaveryoldman，ahandsome，white—hairedoldfellow，ofgraveandbenignantaspect。Aslongashelastedhewashonored；andhewasalsoreverenced，forhisstrikingandpeculiarcostumekeptthepeopleremindedthat’inhistimehehadbeenroyal’；
so，whereverheappearedthecrowdfellapart，makingwayforhim，andwhispering，onetoanother，’Doffthyhat，itistheKing’sWard！’—
andsotheysaluted，andgothiskindlysmileinreturn—andtheyvaluedit，too，forhiswasanhonorablehistory。
Yes，KingEdwardVIlivedonlyafewyears，poorboy，buthelivedthemworthily。Morethanonce，whensomegreatdignitary，somegildedvassalofthecrown，madeargumentagainsthisleniency，andurgedthatsomelawwhichhewasbentuponamendingwasgentleenoughforitspurpose，andwroughtnosufferingoroppressionwhichanyoneneedmightilymind，theyoungkingturnedthemournfuleloquenceofhisgreatcompassionateeyesuponhimandanswered：
’Whatdostthouknowofsufferingandoppression！Iandmypeopleknow，butnotthou。’
ThereignofEdwardVIwasasingularlymercifuloneforthoseharshtimes。Nowthatwearetakingleaveofhimletustrytokeepthisinourminds，tohiscredit。
NOTES
*Christ’sHospitalCostume。ItismostreasonabletoregardthedressascopiedfromthecostumeofthecitizensofLondonofthatperiod，whenlongbluecoatswerethecommonhabitofapprenticesandserving—men，andyellowstockingsweregenerallyworn；thecoatfitscloselytothebody，buthasloosesleeves，andbeneathiswornasleevelessyellowundercoat；aroundthewaistisaredleatherngirdle；aclericalbandaroundtheneck，andasmallflatblackcap，aboutthesizeofasaucer，completesthecostume。—Timbs’s’CuriositiesofLondon。’
*（2）ItappearsthatChrist’sHospitalwasnotoriginallyfoundedasaschool；itsobjectwastorescuechildrenfromthestreets，toshelter，feed，clothethem，etc。—Timb’s’CuriositiesofLondon。’
*（3）TheDukeofNorfolk’sCondemnationCommanded。TheKingwasnowapproachingfasttowardhisend；andfearinglestNorfolkshouldescapehim，hesentamessagetotheCommons，bywhichhedesiredthemtohastenthebill，onpretensethatNorfolkenjoyedthedignityofearlmarshal，anditwasnecessarytoappointanother，whomightofficiateattheensuingceremonyofinstallinghissonPrinceofWales。—Hume，vol。iii，p。307
*（4）Itwasnottilltheendofthisreign（HenryVIII）thatanysalads，carrots，turnips，orotherediblerootswereproducedinEngland。ThelittleofthesevegetablesthatwasusedwasformerlyimportedfromHollandandFlanders。QueenCatherine，whenshewantedasalad，wasobligedtodespatchamessengerthitheronpurpose。—Hume’sHistoryofEngland，vol。iii，p。314。
*（5）AttainderofNorfolk。Thehouseofpeers，withoutexaminingtheprisoner，withouttrialorevidence，passedabillofattainderagainsthimandsentitdowntothecommons……Theobsequiouscommonsobeyedhis（theKing’s）directions；andtheKing，havingaffixedtheroyalassenttothebillbycommissioners，issuedordersfortheexecutionofNorfolkonthemorningofthetwenty—ninthofJanuary（thenextday）。—Hume’sEngland，vol。iii，p。306。
*（6）TheLoving—Cup。Theloving—cup，andthepeculiarceremoniesobservedindrinkingfromit，areolderthanEnglishhistory。ItisthoughtthatbothareDanishimportations。Asfarbackasknowledgegoes，theloving—cuphasalwaysbeendrunkatEnglishbanquets。
Traditionexplainstheceremoniesinthisway：intherudeancienttimesitwasdeemedawiseprecautiontohavebothhandsofbothdrinkersemployed，lestwhilethepledgerpledgedhisloveandfidelitytothepledgeethepledgeetakethatopportunitytoslipadirkintohim！
*（7）TheDukeofNorfolksNarrowEscape。HadHenryVIIIsurvivedafewhourslonger，hisorderfortheduke’sexecutionwouldhavebeencarriedintoeffect。’ButnewsbeingcarriedtotheTowerthattheKinghimselfhadexpiredthatnight，thelieutenantdeferredobeyingthewarrant；anditwasnotthoughtadvisablebythecounciltobeginanewreignbythedeathofthegreatestnoblemanintheKingdom，whohadbeencondemnedbyasentencesounjustandtyrannical。’—Hume’sEngland，vol。iii，p307。
*（8）Hereferstotheorderofbaronets，orbaronettes—thebaronesminor，asdistinctfromtheparliamentarybarons；—not，itneedhardlybesaid，thebaronetsoflatercreation。
*（9）ThelordsofKingsale，descendantsofDeCourcy，stillenjoythiscuriousprivilege。
*（10）Hume。
*（11）Hume。
*（12）TheWhipping—Boy。JamesIandCharlesIIhadwhipping—boyswhentheywerelittlefellows，totaketheirpunishmentforthemwhentheyfellshortintheirlessons；soIhaveventuredtofurnishmysmallprincewithone，formyownpurposes。
*（13）CharacterofHertford。Theyoungkingdiscoveredanextremeattachmenttohisuncle，whowas，inthemain，amanofmoderationandprobity。—Hume’sEngland，vol。iii，p。324。
Butifhe（theProtector）gaveoffensebyassumingtoomuchstate，hedeservesgreatpraiseonaccountofthelawspassedthissession，bywhichtherigorofformerstatuteswasmuchmitigated，andsomesecuritygiventothefreedomoftheconstitution。Alllawswererepealedwhichextendedthecrimeoftreasonbeyondthestatuteofthetwenty—fifthofEdwardIII；alllawsenactedduringthelatereignextendingthecrimeoffelony；alltheformerlawsagainstLollardyorheresy，togetherwiththestatuteoftheSixArticles。Noneweretobeaccusedforwords，butwithinamonthaftertheywerespoken。BytheserepealsseveralofthemostrigorouslawsthateverhadpassedinEnglandwereannulled；andsomedawn，bothofcivilandreligiousliberty，begantoappeartothepeople。Arepealalsopassedofthatlaw，thedestructionofalllaws，bywhichtheking’sproclamationwasmadeofequalforcewithastatute。—Ibid。，vol。iii，p。339。
BoilingtoDeath。InthereignofHenryVIII，poisonerswere，byactofparliamentcondemnedtobeboiledtodeath。Thisactwasrepealedinthefollowingreign。
InGermany，eveninthe17thcentury，thishorriblepunishmentwasinflictedoncoinersandcounterfeiters。Taylor，theWaterPoet，describesanexecutionhewitnessedinHamburg，in1616。Thejudgementpronouncedagainstacoineroffalsemoneywasthatheshould’beboiledtodeathinoil：notthrownintothevesselatonce，butwithapulleyorropetobehangedunderthearmpits，andthenletdownintotheoilbydegrees；firstthefeet，andnextthelegs，andsotoboilhisfleshfromhisbonesalive。’—Dr。J。HammondTrumbull’s’BlueLaws，TrueandFalse，’p。13。
TheFamousStockingCase。Awomanandherdaughter，nineyearsold，werehangedinHuntingdonforsellingtheirsoulstothedevil，andraisingastormbypullingofftheirstockings！—Ibid。，p。20。
*（14）LeighHunt’sTheTown，p。408，quotationfromanearlytourist。
*（15）From’TheEnglishRogue’：London，1665。
*（16）Cantingtermsforvariouskindsofthieves，beggarsandvagabonds，andtheirfemalecompanions。
*（17）Enslaving。Soyoungaking，andsoignorantapeasantwerelikelytomakemistakes—andthisisaninstanceinpoint。Thispeasantwassufferingfromthislawbyanticipation；thekingwasventinghisindignationagainstalawwhichwasnotyetinexistence：forthishideousstatutewastohavebirthinthislittleking’sownreign。However，weknow，fromthehumanityofhischaracter，thatitcouldneverhavebeensuggestedbyhim。
*（18）From’TheEnglishRogue’：London，1665。
*（19）DeathforTriflingLarcenies。WhenConnecticutandNewHavenwereframingtheirfirstcodes，larcenyabovethevalueoftwelvepencewasacapitalcrimeinEngland，asithadbeensincethetimeofHenryI。—Dr。J。HammondTrumbull’s’BlueLaws，TrueandFalse。’p。
17。
ThecuriousoldbookcalledTheEnglishRoguemakesthelimitthirteenpenceha’penny；deathbeingtheportionofanywhostealathing’abovethevalueofthirteenpenceha’penny。’
*（20）Frommanydescriptionsoflarceny，thelawexpresslytookawaythebenefitofclergy；tostealahorse，orahawk，orwoolenclothfromtheweaver，wasahangingmatter。Soitwastokilladeerfromtheking’sforest，ortoexportsheepfromtheKingdom。—Dr。
J。HammondTrumbull’s’BlueLaws，TrueandFalse，’p。13。
WilliamPrynne，alearnedbarrister，wassentenced—（longafterEdwardtheSixth’stime）—tolosebothhisearsinthepillory；todegradationfromthebar；afineofL3，000，andimprisonmentforlife。
Threeyearsafterward，hegavenewoffensetoLaud，bypublishingapamphletagainstthehierarchy。Hewasagainprosecuted，andwassentencedtolosewhatremainedofhisears；topayafineofL5，000；tobebrandedonbothhischeekswiththelettersS。L。（forSeditiousLibeler），andtoremaininprisonforlife。Theseverityofthissentencewasequaledbythesavagerigorofitsexecution。—
Ibid。，p。12。
*（21）Hume’sEngland。
*（22）Christ’sHospitalorBlueCoatScbool，’theNoblestInstitutionintheWorld。’
ThegroundonwhichthePrioryoftheGreyFriarsstoodwasconferredbyHenrytheEighthontheCorporationofLondon（whocausedtheinstitutionthereofahomeforpoorboysandgirls）。
Subsequently，EdwardtheSixthcausedtheoldPriorytobeproperlyrepaired，andfoundedwithinitthatnobleestablishmentcalledtheBlueCoatSchool，orChrist’sHospital，fortheeducationandmaintenanceoforphansandthechildrenofindigentpersons……Edwardwouldnotlethim（BishopRidley）departtilltheletterwaswritten（totheLordMayor），andthenchargedhimtodeliverithimself，andsignifyhisspecialrequestandcommandmentthatnotimemightbelostinproposingwhatwasconvenient，andapprisinghimoftheproceedings。Theworkwaszealouslyundertaken，Ridleyhimselfengaginginit；andtheresultwas，thefoundingofChrist’sHospitalfortheEducationofPoorChildren。（Thekingendowedseveralothercharitiesatthesametime。）’LordGod，’saidhe，’Iyieldtheemostheartythanksthatthouhastgivenmelifethuslong，tofinishthisworktothegloryofthyname！’Thatinnocentandmostexemplarylifewasdrawingrapidlytoitsclose，andinafewdaysherendereduphisspirittohisCreator，prayingGodtodefendtherealmfromPapistry。—J。HeneageJesse’s’London，itsCelebratedCharactersandPlaces。’
IntheGreatHallhangsalargepictureofKingEdwardVIseatedonhisthrone，inascarletanderminedrobe，holdingthescepterinhislefthand，presentingwiththeothertheChartertothekneelingLordMayor。ByhissidestandstheChancellor，holdingtheseals，andnexttohimareotherofficersofstate。BishopRidleykneelsbeforehimwithupliftedhands，asifsupplicatingablessingontheevent；whiletheAldermen，etc，withtheLordMayor，kneelonbothsides，occupyingthemiddlegroundofthepicture；andlastly，infront，areadoublerowofboysononeside，andgirlsontheother，fromthemasterandmatrondowntotheboyandgirlwhohavesteppedforwardfromtheirrespectiverows，andkneelwithraisedhandsbeforetheking。—Timbs’s’CuriositiesofLondon，’p。98。
Christ’sHospital，byancientcustom，possessestheprivilegeofaddressingtheSovereignontheoccasionofhisorhercomingintotheCitytopartakeofthehospitalityoftheCorporationofLondon。—
Ibid。
TheDining—Hall，withitslobbyandorgan—gallery，occupiestheentirestory，whichis187feetlong，51feetwide，and47feethigh；itislitbyninelargewindows，filledwithstainedglassonthesouthside；thatis，nexttoWestminsterHall，thenoblestroominthemetropolis。Heretheboys，nowabout800innumber，dine；andhereareheldthe’SuppingsinPublic，’towhichvisitorsareadmittedbytickets，issuedbytheTreasurerandbytheGovernorsofChrist’sHospital。Thetablesarelaidwithcheeseinwoodenbowls；beerinwoodenpiggins，pouredfromleathernjacks；andbreadbroughtinlargebaskets。Theofficialcompanyenter；theLordMayor，orPresident，takeshisseatinastatechair，madeofoakfromSt。Catherine’sChurchbytheTower；ahymnissung，accompaniedbytheorgan；a’Grecian，’orheadboy，readstheprayersfromthepulpit，silencebeingenforcedbythreedropsofawoodenhammer。Afterprayerthesuppercommences，andthevisitorswalkbetweenthetables。Atitsclose，the’trade—boys’takeupthebaskets，bowls，jacks，piggins，andcandlesticks，andpassinprocession，thebowingtotheGovernorsbeingcuriouslyformal。ThisspectaclewaswitnessedbyQueenVictoriaandPrinceAlbertin1845。
AmongthemoreeminentBlueCoatBoysareJoshuaBames，editorofAnacreonandEuripides；JeremiahMarkland，theeminentcritic，particularlyinGreekliterature；Camden，theantiquary；BishopStillingfleet；SamuelRichardson，thenovelist；ThomasMitchell，thetranslatorofAristophanes；ThomasBarnes，manyyearseditoroftheLondonTimes；Coleridge，CharlesLamb，andLeighHunt。
Noboyisadmittedbeforeheissevenyearsold，orafterheisnine；andnoboycanremainintheschoolafterheisfifteen，King’sboysand’Grecians’aloneexcepted。Thereareabout500
Governors，attheheadofwhomaretheSovereignandthePrinceofWales。ThequalificationforaGovernorispaymentofL500。—Ibid。
GENERALNOTE
Onehearsmuchaboutthe’hideousBlue—LawsofConnecticut，’andisaccustomedtoshudderpiouslywhentheyarementioned。TherearepeopleinAmerica—andeveninEngland！—whoimaginethattheywereaverymonumentofmalignity，pitilessness，andinhumanity；whereas，inrealitytheywereaboutthefirstsweepingdeparturefromjudicialatrocitywhichthe’civilized’worldhadseen。ThishumaneandkindlyBlue—Lawcode，oftwohundredandfortyyearsago，standsallbyitself，withagesofbloodylawonthefurthersideofit，andacenturyandthree—quartersofbloodyEnglishlawonthissideofit。
Therehasneverbeenatime—undertheBlue—Lawsoranyother—
whenabovefourteencrimeswerepunishablebydeathinConnecticut。
ButinEngland，withinthememoryofmenwhoarestillhaleinbodyandmind，twohundredandtwenty—threecrimeswerepunishablebydeath！*Thesefactsareworthknowing—andworththinkingabout，too。
*SeeDr。J。HammondTrumbull’sBlueLaws，TrueandFalse，p。11。