Принц и нищий
At Guildhall
TomandhislittleladieswerereceivedwithdueceremonybytheLordMayorandtheFathersoftheCity,intheirgoldchainsandscarletrobesofstate,andconductedtoarichcanopyofstateattheheadofthegreathall,precededbyheraldsmakingproclamation,andbytheMaceandtheCitySword.ThelordsandladieswhoweretoattenduponTomandhistwosmallfriendstooktheirplacesbehindtheirchairs.
AtalowertabletheCourtgrandeesandotherguestsofnobledegreewereseated,withthemagnatesofthecity;thecommonerstookplacesatamultitudeoftablesonthemainfloorofthehall.Fromtheirloftyvantage-groundthegiantsGogandMagog,theancientguardiansofthecity,contemplatedthespectaclebelowthemwitheyesgrownfamiliartoitinforgottengenerations.Therewasabugle-blastandaproclamation,andafatbutlerappearedinahighperchintheleftwardwall,followedbyhisservitorsbearingwithimpressivesolemnityaroyalbaronofbeef,smokinghotandreadyfortheknife.
Aftergrace,Tom(beinginstructed)rose—andthewholehousewithhim—anddrankfromaportlygoldenloving-cupwiththePrincessElizabeth;fromheritpassedtotheLadyJane,andthentraversedthegeneralassemblage.Sothebanquetbegan.
Bymidnighttherevelrywasatitsheight.Nowcameoneofthosepicturesquespectaclessoadmiredinthatoldday.
