Принц и нищий
Tom’s meeting with the Prince
Faredweforthnaked,thereisnonecouldsaywhichwasyou,andwhichthePrinceofWales.And,nowthatIamclothedasthouwertclothed,itseemethIshouldbeablethemorenearlytofeelasthoudidstwhenthebrutesoldier—Harkye,isnotthisabruiseuponyourhand?"
"Yes;butitisaslightthing,andyourworshipknoweththatthepoorman-at-arms—"
"Peace!Itwasashamefulthingandacruel!"criedthelittleprince,stampinghisbarefoot."IftheKing—StirnotasteptillIcomeagain!Itisacommand!"
Inamomenthehadsnatchedupandputawayanarticleofnationalimportancethatlayuponatable,andwasoutatthedoorandflyingthroughthepalacegroundsinhisbanneredrags,withahotfaceandglowingeyes.Assoonashereachedthegreatgate,heseizedthebars,andtriedtoshakethem,shouting—
"Open!Unbarthegates!"
ThesoldierthathadmaltreatedTomobeyedpromptly;andastheprinceburstthroughtheportal,half-smotheredwithroyalwrath,thesoldierfetchedhimasoundingboxontheearthatsenthimwhirlingtotheroadway,andsaid—
"Takethat,thoubeggar’sspawn,forwhatthougot’stmefromhisHighness!"
Thecrowdroaredwithlaughter.Theprincepickedhimselfoutofthemud,andmadefiercelyatthesentry,shouting—
"IamthePrinceofWales,mypersonissacred;andthoushalthangforlayingthyhanduponme!"