The Prince

and
the Pauper
Novel by Mark Twain Dramatized by Joellen Bland

Background The historical novel The Prince and the Pauper

was written by Mark Twain in 1882; it was his first attempt at
historical fiction. The tale takes place in England in 1547, the year
that Prince Edward, the nine-year-old son of King Henry VIII, was
crowned King Edward VI.
The novel has been adapted into stage, film, and even comic
book versions. The adaptation you are about to read was written
by Joellen Bland, who has been writing scripted versions of
classic stories for more than 30 years. This one-act play continues
the tradition of this famous novel and its travels through
American culture.
Mark Twain (1835–1910) is one of America’s greatest and
most beloved writers. His real name was Samuel Clemens,
but he changed it when he began his writing career. Twain
was born in Florida, Missouri. When he was four years old,
he moved with his family to Hannibal, Missouri, a bustling
town along the Mississippi River, where he lived until he
was seventeen. Hannibal and the Mississippi River inspired
(bg) ©Shutterstock; (tr) ©Heritage Images/Corbis; (b) © Alamy Images

many of Twain’s most famous novels, including The

Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and The Adventures
of Huckleberry Finn (1885). Twain wrote 28 books and
many short stories, letters, and comic sketches, all for the
enjoyment of readers for many decades to come.
SETTING A PURPOSE As you read, pay attention to
how the details of the setting, characters’ actions, feelings,
and events build and support the themes of the play.

The Prince and the Pauper 345

 CHARACTERS
Edward, Prince of Wales Justice
Tom Canty, the Pauper Constable
Lord Hertford Jailer
Lord St. John Sir Hugh Hendon
King Henry VIII Two Prisoners
Herald Two Guards
Miles Hendon Three Pages
John Canty, Tom’s father Lords and Ladies
Hugo, a young thief Villagers
Two Women

20 1st Woman. I have walked all

Scene 1 21 morning just to have a glimpse of
1 Time: 1547. 22 Westminster Palace.
28 Setting: Westminster Palace, 23 2nd Woman. Maybe if we can get
3 England. Gates leading to courtyard 24 near enough to the gates, we can
4 are at right. Slightly to the left, off 25 have a glimpse of the young Prince.
5 courtyard and inside gates, interior 26 (Tom Canty, dirty and ragged,
6 of palace anteroom1 is visible. 27 comes out of crowd and steps close
7 There is a couch with a rich robe 28 to gates.)
draped on it, screen at rear, bellcord, 29 Tom. I have always dreamed of
9 mirror, chairs, and a table with 30 seeing a real Prince! (Excited, he
10 bowl of nuts, and a large golden seal 31 presses his nose against gates.)
11 on it. Piece of armor hangs on one 32 1st Guard. Mind your manners,
12 wall. Exits are rear and downstage. 33 you young beggar! (Seizes Tom
13 At Curtain Rise: Two Guards— 34 by collar and sends him sprawling
14 one at right, one at left—stand in 35 into crowd. Villagers laugh, as Tom
15 front of gates, and several Villagers 36 slowly gets to his feet.)
16 hover nearby, straining to see into 37 Prince (rushing to gates). How dare
17 courtyard where Prince may be seen 38 you treat a poor subject of the King
18 through fence, playing. Two Women 39 in such a manner! Open the gates
19 enter right. 40 and let him in! (As Villagers see
©Shutterstock

1
41 Prince, they take off their hats and
anteroom (√n´t∏-r◊m´): an outer room that
leads to another room and is often used as a
42 bow low.)
waiting room.

346 Collection 6
43 Villagers (shouting together). Long 81 Tom. Pleasant enough, Your
44 live the Prince of Wales! (Guards 82 Highness, save when I am hungry.
45 open gates and Tom slowly passes 83 We have Punch and Judy shows,
46 through, as if in a dream.) 85 and sometimes we lads have fights
23 Prince (to Tom). You look tired,
88 in the street.
48 and you have been treated cruelly. 84 Prince (eagerly). I should like that.
49 I am Edward, Prince of Wales. 86 Tell me more.
50 What is your name? 87 Tom. In summer, we run races and
51 Tom (looking around in awe). Tom 89 swim in the river, and we love to
52 Canty, Your Highness. 90 wallow in the mud.
53 Prince. Come into the palace with 91 Prince (sighing, wistfully). If I could
54 me, Tom. (Prince leads Tom into 92 wear your clothes and play in the
55 anteroom. Villagers pantomime 93 mud just once, with no one to
56 conversation, and all but a few exit.) 94 forbid me, I think I could give up
58 Where do you live, Tom? 96 the crown!
57 Tom. In the city, Your Highness, in 98 Tom (shaking his head ). And if
59 Offal Court. 95 I could wear your fine clothes just
60 Prince. Offal Court? That is an odd
97 once, Your Highness . . .
61 name. Do you have parents? 99 Prince. Would you like that?
63 Tom. Yes, Your Highness.
100 Come, then. We shall change
101 places. You can take off your rags
63 Prince. How does your father 102 and put on my clothes—and I will
64 treat you? 103 put on yours. (He leads Tom behind
63 Tom. If it please you, Your 104 screen, and they return shortly, each
66 Highness, when I am not able to wearing the other’s clothes.) Let’s
67 beg a penny for our supper, he 105 look at ourselves in this mirror.
68 treats me to beatings. 108 (leads Tom to mirror)
69 Prince (shocked ). What! Beatings? 1107 Tom. Oh, Your Highness, it is not
70 My father is not a calm man, but 109 proper for me to wear such clothes.
71 he does not beat me. (looks at Tom 110 Prince (excitedly, as he looks in
72 thoughtfully) You speak well and 111 mirror). Heavens, do you not see
have an easy grace. Have you been it? We look like brothers! We have
73 schooled? 113 the same features and bearing.2 If
74 Tom. Very little, Your Highness. 114 we went about together, dressed
75 A good priest who shares our 115 alike, there is no one who could say
76 house in Offal Court has taught me 116 which is the Prince of Wales and
77 from his books. 117 which is Tom Canty!
79 Prince. Do you have a pleasant life
80 in Offal Court? 2
features and bearing: parts of the face and
ways of standing or walking.

The Prince and the Pauper 347

118 Tom (drawing back and rubbing 153 Villagers (ad lib,4 as they exit,
119 his hand ). Your Highness, I am 154 shouting). Make way for His Royal
120 frightened. . . . 155 Highness! Make way for the Prince
123 Prince. Do not worry. (seeing Tom
157 of Wales! Hail to the Prince! (etc.)
122 rub his hand ) Is that a bruise on 156 Tom (admiring himself in mirror). If
125 your hand? 158 only the boys in Offal Court could
123 Tom. Yes, but it is a slight thing,
159 see me! They will not believe me
124 Your Highness. 160 when I tell them about this. (looks
161 around anxiously) But where is
126 Prince (angrily). It was shameful 162 the Prince? (Looks cautiously into
127 and cruel of that guard to strike 163 courtyard. Two Guards immediately
128 you. Do not stir a step until I come 164 snap to attention and salute. He
129 back. I command you! (He picks 165 quickly ducks back into anteroom as
130 up golden Seal of England 3 and 166 Lords Hertford and St. John enter
131 carefully puts it into piece of armor. 168 at rear.)
132 He then dashes out to gates.) Open!
133 Unbar the gates at once! (2nd 167 Hertford (going toward Tom, then
134 Guard opens gates, and as Prince 169 stopping and bowing low). My
135 runs out, in rags, 1st Guard seizes 170 Lord, you look distressed. What is
136 him, boxes him on the ear, and 172 wrong?
138 knocks him to the ground.) 171 Tom (trembling). Oh, I beg of you,
137 1st Guard. Take that, you little
173 be merciful. I am no Prince, but
139 beggar, for the trouble you have 175 poor Tom Canty of Offal Court.
140 made for me with the Prince. 176 Please let me see the Prince, and he
142 (Villagers roar with laughter.) 177 will give my rags back to me and let
178 me go unhurt. (kneeling) Please, be
141 Prince (picking himself up, turning 179 merciful and spare me!
143 on Guard furiously). I am Prince
144 of Wales! You shall hang for laying 174 Hertford (puzzled and disturbed ).
146 your hand on me! 180 Your Highness, on your knees?
181 To me? (bows quickly, then, aside
145 1st Guard (presenting arms; 182 to St. John) The Prince has gone
147 mockingly). I salute Your Gracious 183 mad! We must inform the King. (to
148 Highness! (Then, angrily, 1st Guard 184 Tom) A moment, your Highness.
149 shoves Prince roughly aside.) Be 185 (Hertford and St. John exit rear.)
150 off, you mad bag of rags! (Prince is
151 surrounded by Villagers, who hustle 186 Tom. Oh, there is no hope for me
152 him off.) 187 now. They will hang me for certain!
188 (Hertford and St. John re-enter,
189 supporting King. Tom watches
3
Seal of England: a device used to stamp a
special design, usually a picture of the ruler,
4
onto a document, thus indicating that it has ad lib: talk together about what is going on,
royal approval. but without an actual script.

348 Collection 6
 190 in awe as they help him to couch, 211 subjects, being born a pauper, and
192 where he sinks down wearily.) 212 it is by a great mistake that I am
191 King (beckoning Tom close to him).
213 here. I am too young to die. Oh,
193 Now, my son, Edward, my prince. 215 please, spare me, sire!
194 What is this? Do you mean to 205 King (amazed ). Die? Do not talk
195 deceive me, the King, your father, 205 so, my child. You shall not die.
196 who loves you and treats you 205 Tom (gratefully). God save you, my
198 so kindly? 217 king! And now, may I go?
197 Tom (dropping to his knees). You 205 King. Go? Where would you go?
199 are the King? Then I have no hope!
220 Tom. Back to the alley where I was
200 King (stunned ). My child, you are 222 born and bred to misery.
201 not well. Do not break your father’s
203 old heart. Say you know me. 205 King. My poor child, rest your
head here. (He holds Tom’s head
202 Tom. Yes, you are my lord the 223 and pats his shoulder, then turns to
205 King, whom God preserve. 224 Hertford and St. John.) Alas, I am
08 King. True, that is right. Now, you 225 old and ill, and my son is mad. But
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204 will not deny that you are Prince 226 this shall pass. Mad or sane, he is
206 of Wales, as they say you did just a 1228 my heir and shall rule England.
207 while ago? 229 Tomorrow he shall be installed and
2209 Tom. I beg you, Your Grace,
230 confirmed in his princely dignity!
210 believe me. I am the lowest of your 231 Bring the Great Seal!

The Prince and the Pauper 349

232 Hertford (bowing low). Please, 271 but 1st Page instantly seizes cup,
233 Your Majesty, you took the Great 272 drops on one knee, and serves it to
234 Seal from the Chancellor two days 273 him. Tom starts to take off his boots,
235 ago to give to His Highness the 274 but 2nd Page stops him and does it
236 Prince. 275 for him. He tries to remove his cape
205 King. So I did. (to Tom) My child,
276 and gloves, and 3rd Page does it for
238 tell me, where is the Great Seal? 277 him.) I wonder that you do not try
278 to breathe for me also! (Lies down
205 Tom (trembling). Indeed, my lord, 279 cautiously. Pages cover him with
240 I do not know. 280 robe, then back away and exit.)
205 King. Ah, your affliction hangs 205 St. John (to Hertford, as he enters).
242 heavily upon you. ’Tis no matter. 282 Plainly, what do you think?
243 You will remember later. Listen,
244 carefully! (gently, but firmly) 283 Hertford. Plainly, this. The King
245 I command you to hide your 284 is near death, my nephew the
246 affliction in all ways that be within 285 Prince of Wales is clearly mad
247 your power. You shall deny to no 286 and will mount the throne mad.
248 one that you are the true prince, 287 God protect England, for she will
249 and if your memory should fail 288 need it!
250 you upon any occasion of state, you 205 St. John. Does it not seem strange
251 shall be advised by your uncle, the 290 that madness could so change his
252 Lord Hertford. 291 manner from what it used to be? It
205 Tom (resigned ). The King has
292 troubles me, his saying he is not the
254 spoken. The King shall be obeyed. 293 Prince.
205 King. And now, my child, I go
294 Hertford. Peace, my lord! If he
256 to rest. (He stands weakly, and 295 were an impostor and called
257 Hertford leads him off, rear.) 296 himself Prince, that would be
297 natural. But was there ever an
258 Tom (wearily, to St. John). May 298 impostor, who being called Prince
259 it please your lordship to let me 299 by the King and court, denied it?
260 rest now? 300 Never! This is the true Prince gone
205 St. John. So it please Your 301 mad. And tonight all London shall
262 Highness, it is for you to command 302 honor him. (Hertford and St. John
263 and us to obey. But it is wise that 303 exit. Tom sits up, looks around
264 you rest, for this evening you must 305 helplessly, then gets up.)
265 attend the Lord Mayor’s banquet 306 Tom. I should have thought to
266 in your honor. (He pulls bellcord, 307 order something to eat. (sees bowl
267 and Three Pages enter and kneel 308 of nuts on table) Ah! Here are some
268 before Tom.) 30 nuts! (looks around, sees Great Seal
205 Tom. Banquet? (Terrified, he sits on 9 in armor, takes it out, looks at it
270 couch and reaches for cup of water, 310 curiously) This will make a good

350 Collection 6
 311 nutcracker. (He takes bowl of nuts, 345 Canty (staring in amazement).
312 sits on couch and begins to crack 346 Gone stark mad! But mad or not,
313 nuts with Great Seal and eat them, 347 I’ll soon find where the soft places
314 as curtain falls.) 348 lie in your bones. Come home!
349 (starts to drag Prince off )
Scene 2 350 Prince (struggling). Let me go! I am
352 the Prince of Wales, and the King
315 Time: Later that night.
353 shall have your life for this!
3304 Setting: A street in London, near
351 Canty (angrily). I’ll take no more of
317 Offal Court. Played before the
354 your madness! (raises stick to strike,
318 curtain.
351 but Prince struggles free and runs
319 At Curtain Rise: Prince limps in, 356 off, and Canty runs after him)
320 dirty and tousled. He looks around
321 wearily. Several Villagers pass by,
Scene 3
322 pushing against him.
325 Prince. I have never seen this poor
357 Setting: Same as Scene 1, with
324 section of London. I must be near 358 addition of dining table, set with
326 Offal Court. If I can only find it 3304 dishes and goblets, on raised
327 before I drop! (John Canty steps out 360 platform. Throne-like chair is at
of crowd, seizes Prince roughly.) 361 head of table.
328 Canty. Out at this time of night,
364 At Curtain Rise: A banquet is in
329 and I warrant you haven’t brought 362 progress. Tom, in royal robes, sits at
330 a farthing5 home! If that is the case 363 head of table, with Hertford at his
331 and I do not break all the bones in 365 right and St. John at his left. Lords
332 your miserable body, then I am not 366 and Ladies sit around table eating
333 John Canty! 367 and talking softly.
334 Prince (eagerly). Oh, are you his
368 Tom (to Hertford ). What is this,
335 father? 369 my Lord? (holds up a plate)
323 Canty. His father? I am your
370 Hertford. Lettuce and turnips,
337 father, and— 371 Your Highness.
339 Prince. Take me to the palace
372 Tom. Lettuce and turnips? I have
338 at once, and your son will be 373 never seen them before. Am I to
340 returned to you. The King, my 374 eat them?
341 father, will make you rich beyond 378 Hertford (discreetly). Yes, Your
342 your wildest dreams. Oh, save 375 Highness, if you so desire. (Tom
343 me, for I am indeed the Prince 376 begins to eat food with his fingers.
344 of Wales. 377 Fanfare of trumpets is heard, and
379 Herald enters, carrying scroll. All
380 turn to look.)
5
farthing (fär´thΔng): a former British coin
worth one-fourth of a British penny.

The Prince and the Pauper 351

 381 Herald (reading from scroll ). His 402 Miles Hendon (entering through
382 Majesty, King Henry VIII, is dead! 403 crowd ). Though you be Prince or
383 The King is dead! (All rise and turn 404 not, you are indeed a gallant lad
384 to Tom, who sits, stunned.) 405 and not friendless. Here I stand
3 386 All (together). The King is dead.
406 to prove it, and you might have a
85 Long live the King! Long live 407 worse friend than Miles Hendon.
387 Edward, King of England! (All bow 408 1st Villager. Tis another prince in
388 to Tom. Herald bows and exits.) 409 disguise. Take the lad and dunk
389 Hertford (to Tom). Your Majesty,
410 him in the pond! (He seizes Prince,
390 we must call the council. Come, St. 411 but Miles strikes him with flat
391 John. (Hertford and St. John lead 412 of his sword. Crowd, now angry,
392 Tom off at rear. Lords and Ladies 413 presses forward threateningly, when
393 follow, talking among themselves. 414 fanfare of trumpets is heard offstage.
394 At gates, down right, Villagers enter 415 Herald, carrying scroll, enters up left
395 and mill about. Prince enters right, 416 at gates.)
396 pounds on gates and shouts.) 417 Herald. Make way for the King’s
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397 Prince. Open the gates! I am the

418 messenger! (reading from scroll )
398 Prince of Wales! Open, I say! And 397 His Majesty, King Henry VIII,
399 though I am friendless with no 420 is dead! The King is dead! (He
400 one to help me, I will not be driven 421 exits right, repeating message, and
401 from my ground. 422 Villagers stand in stunned silence.)

352 Collection 6
423 Prince (stunned ). The King is 460 King. Well, I will humor him.
424 dead! 462 (starts to sit)
428 1st Villager (shouting). Long live 461 Prince (angrily). Stop! Would you
425 Edward, King of England! 463 sit in the presence of the King?
428 Villagers (together). Long live the 465 Miles (surprised, standing up
426 King! (shouting, ad lib) Long live 464 quickly). I beg your pardon, Your
427 King Edward! Heaven protect 466 Majesty. I was not thinking. (Stares
430 Edward, King of England! (etc.) 467 uncertainly at Prince, who sits at
434 Miles (taking Prince by the arm).
468 table, expectantly. Miles starts to
432 Come, lad, before the crowd 469 uncover dishes of food, serves Prince
433 remembers us. I have a room at 470 and fills glasses.)
435 the inn, and you can stay there. 471 Prince. Miles, you have a
436 (He hurries off with stunned 472 gallant way about you. Are you
437 Prince. Tom, led by Hertford, 473 nobly born?
438 enters courtyard up rear. Villagers 474 Miles. My father is a baronet, 6
see them.) 475 Your Majesty.
439 Villagers (together). Long live the 465 Prince. Then you must also be a
440 King! (They fall to their knees as 476 baronet.
441 curtains close.)
465 Miles (shaking his head ). My
478 father banished me from home
Scene 4 480 seven years ago, so I fought in the
442 Setting: Miles’ room at the inn. 482 wars. I was taken prisoner, and
443 At right is table set with dishes and 483 I have spent the past seven years
444 bowls of food, a chair at each side. 484 in prison. Now I am free, and I am
431 At left is bed, with table and chair 485 returning home.
446 next to it, and a window. Candle is 481 Prince. You have been shamefully
447 on table. 486 wronged! But I will make things
448 At Curtain Rise: Miles and Prince 487 right for you. You have saved me
449 approach table. 488 from injury and possible death.
489 Name your reward and if it be
450 Miles. I have had a hot supper
490 within the compass of my royal
451 prepared. I’ll bet you’re hungry,
491 power, it is yours.
452 lad.
492 Miles (pausing briefly, then
453 Prince. Yes, I am. It’s kind of you
494 dropping to his knee). Since Your
454 to let me stay with you, Miles. I am
495 Majesty is pleased to hold my
455 truly Edward, King of England,
493 simple duty worthy of reward,
457 and you shall not go unrewarded.
458 (sits at table)
456 Miles (to himself ). First he called
6
baronet (b√r´∂-nΔt): a rank of honor in
459 himself Prince, and now he is Britain, below a baron and above a knight.

The Prince and the Pauper 353

496 I ask that I and my successors7 may
497 hold the privilege of sitting in the Scene 5
498 presence of the King. 533 Time: Two weeks later.
499 Prince (taking Miles’ sword, tapping 534 Setting: Country village street.
500 him lightly on each shoulder). Rise
502 and seat yourself. (returns sword
535 Before Curtain Rise: Villagers
503 to Miles, then rises and goes over
5 walk about. Canty, Hugo, and
504 to bed)
22 Prince enter.
501 Miles (rising). He should have been
22 Canty. I will go in this direction.
505 born a king. He plays the part to a Hugo, keep my mad son with you,
506 marvel! If I had not thought of this
5540 and see that he doesn’t escape
508 favor, I might have had to stand for
542 again! (exits)
509 weeks. (sits down and begins to eat) 22 Hugo (seizing Prince by the arm).
501 Prince. Sir Miles, you will stand
543 He won’t escape! I’ll see that he
510 guard while I sleep? (lies down and
544 earns his bread today, or else!
511 instantly falls asleep) 22 Prince (pulling away). I will not
501 Miles. Yes, Your Majesty. (With a
546 beg with you, and I will not steal!
513 rueful look at his uneaten supper,
547 I have suffered enough in this
514 he stands up.) Poor little chap.
549 miserable company of thieves!
515 I suppose his mind has been 22 Hugo. You shall suffer more if
516 disordered with ill usage. (covers 550 you do not do as I tell you! (raises
517 Prince with his cape) Well, I will 552 clenched fist at Prince) Refuse if
518 be his friend and watch over him. 551 you dare! (Woman enters, carrying
519 (Blows out candle, then yawns, sits 553 wrapped bundle in a basket on her
520 on chair next to bed, and falls asleep. 554 arm.) Wait here until I come back.
521 John Canty and Hugo appear at 555 (Hugo sneaks along after Woman,
523 window, peer around room, then 556 then snatches her bundle, runs
524 enter cautiously through window. 557 back to Prince, and thrusts it into
525 They lift the sleeping Prince, staring 558 his arms.) Run after me and call,
526 nervously at Miles.) 559 “Stop, thief!” But be sure you lead
529 Canty (in loud whisper). I swore
560 her astray! (Runs off. Prince throws
527 the day he was born he would be a
561 down bundle in disgust.)
528 thief and a beggar, and I won’t lose 562 Woman. Help! Thief! Stop, thief!
him now. Lead the way to the camp 563 (rushes at Prince and seizes him,
530 Hugo! (Canty and Hugo carry 564 just as several Villagers enter) You
531 Prince off right, as Miles sleeps on 551 little thief! What do you mean by
532 and curtain falls.) 566 robbing a poor woman? Somebody
567 bring the constable! (Miles enters
7
successors (s∂k-s≈s´∂rs): those, in sequence 568 and watches.)
or line of succession, who have a right to
property, to hold title or rank, or to hold the
throne one after the other.

354 Collection 6
569 1st Villager (grabbing Prince). I’ll
570 teach him a lesson, the little villain! Scene 6
572 Prince (struggling). Take your 602 Setting: Office of the Justice. A
573 hands off me! I did not rob this 603 high bench is at center.
574 woman! 604 At Curtain Rise: Justice sits behind
571 Miles (stepping out of crowd and 605 bench. Constable enters with Miles
575 pushing man back with the flat of 606 and Prince, followed by Villagers.
576 his sword ). Let us proceed gently, 608 Woman carries wrapped bundle.
577 my friends. This is a matter for 607 Constable (to Justice). A young
579 the law. 609 thief, your worship, is accused of
578 Prince (springing to Miles’ side). 610 stealing a dressed pig from this
580 You have come just in time, Sir 613 poor woman.
581 Miles. Carve this rabble to rags! 612 Justice (looking down at Prince,
584 Miles. Speak softly. Trust in me 614 then Woman). My good woman,
582 and all shall go well. are you absolutely certain this lad
584 Constable (entering and reaching
615 stole your pig?
583 for Prince). Come along, young 616 Woman. It was none other than he,
586 rascal! 617 your worship.
584 Miles. Gently, good friend. He 618 Justice. Are there no witnesses
588 shall go peaceably to the Justice. 619 to the contrary? (All shake their
589 Prince. I will not go before a
620 heads.) Then the lad stands
590 Justice! I did not do this thing!
621 convicted. (to Woman) What do
623 you hold this property to be worth?
593 Miles (taking him aside). Sire, will
591 you reject the laws of the realm,
622 Woman. Three shillings and eight
592 yet demand that your subjects
624 pence, your worship.
595 respect them? 627 Justice (leaning down to Woman).
593 Prince (calmer). You are right, Sir
625 Good woman, do you know that
596 Miles. Whatever the King requires
626 when one steals a thing above the
598 a subject to suffer under the law, he
628 value of thirteen pence, the law
597 will suffer himself while he holds
629 says he shall hang for it?
599 the station of a subject. (Constable 630 Woman (upset). Oh, what have I
600 leads them off right. Villagers 631 done? I would not hang the poor
601 follow. Curtain.) 632 boy for the whole world! Save me
6634 from this, your worship. What can
635 I do?
33 Justice (gravely). You may revise
636 the value, since it is not yet written
638 in the record.

The Prince and the Pauper 355

637 Woman. Then call the pig eight 671 Constable (laughing nervously).
639 pence, your worship. 673 Ah, but I was merely jesting with
640 Justice. So be it. You may take your
674 the woman, sir.
641 property and go. (Woman starts off, 676 Miles. Would the Justice think it
642 and is followed by Constable. Miles 677 a jest?
643 follows them cautiously down right.) 675 Constable. Good sir! The Justice
644 Constable (stopping Woman). 678 has no more sympathy with a jest
645 Good woman, I will buy your pig 679 than a dead corpse! (perplexed )
646 from you. (takes coins from pocket) 680 Very well, I will turn my back and
648 Here is eight pence. 681 see nothing! But go quickly! (exits)
649 Woman. Eight pence! It cost me 683 Miles (to Prince). Come, my liege.9
647 three shillings and eight pence! 682 We are free to go. And that band of
650 Constable. Indeed! Then come
684 thieves shall not set hands on you
651 back before his worship and answer 685 again, I swear it!
652 for this. The lad must hang! 687 Prince (wearily). Can you believe,
655 Woman. No! No! Say no more.
686 Sir Miles, that in the last fortnight,
653 Give me the eight pence and hold 688 I, the King of England, have escaped
654 your peace. (Constable hands her 689 from thieves and begged for food
656 coins and takes pig. Woman exits, 690 on the road? I have slept in a barn
658 angrily. Miles returns to bench.) 691 with a calf! I have washed dishes in
692 a peasant’s kitchen, and narrowly
657 Justice. The boy is sentenced to a 693 escaped death. And not once in all
659 fortnight8 in the common jail. Take 694 my wanderings did I see a courier10
660 him away, Constable! (Justice exits. 695 searching for me! Is it no matter for
661 Prince gives Miles a nervous glance.) 696 commotion and distress that the
664 Miles (following Constable). Good 697 head of state is gone?
662 sir, turn your back a moment 699 Miles (sadly, aside). Still busy with
663 and let the poor lad escape. He 698 his pathetic dream. (to Prince) It
665 is innocent. 700 is strange indeed, my liege. But
666 Constable (outraged ). What? You 701 come, I will take you to my father’s
667 say this to me? Sir, I arrest you in— 702 home in Kent. We are not far away.
669 Miles. Do not be so hasty! (slyly)
703 There you may rest in a house with
668 The pig you have purchased for
704 seventy rooms! Come, I am all
670 eight pence may cost you your
705 impatience to be home again! (They
672 neck, man.
706 exit, Miles in cheerful spirits, Prince
707 looking puzzled, as curtains close.)

9
my liege (l∏j): my lord.
8 10
fortnight: 14 days; two weeks. courier (k≥r´∏-∂r): messenger.

356 Collection 6
 727 hanged for killing a deer in the
Scene 7 728 King’s park.
708 Setting: Village jail. Bare stage, 730 2nd Prisoner. And I must hang
709 with barred window on one wall. 731 for stealing a yard of cloth to dress
710 At Curtain Rise: Two Prisoners, 732 my children.
711 in chains, are onstage. Jailer shoves 734 Prince (moved; to Prisoners).
712 Miles and Prince, in chains, 733 When I mount my throne, you
713 onstage. They struggle and protest. 735 shall all be free. And the laws that
715 Miles. But I tell you, I am Miles 736 have dishonored you shall be swept
714 Hendon! My brother, Sir Hugh, has 737 from the books. (turning away)
716 stolen my bride and my estate! 738 Kings should go to school to learn
739 their own laws and be merciful.
719 Jailer. Be silent! Impostor! Sir
717 Hugh will see that you pay well for 740 1st Prisoner. What does the lad
718 claiming to be his dead brother 741 mean? I have heard that the King is
720 and for assaulting him in his own 742 mad, but merciful.
721 house! (exits) 745 2nd Prisoner. He is to be crowned
(bg) ©Shutterstock; (fg) Frank Riccio

722 Miles (sitting, with head in hands). 743 at Westminster tomorrow.

723 Oh, my dear Edith . . . now wife to 749 Prince (violently). King? What
724 my brother Hugh, against her will, 744 King, good sir?
725 and my poor father . . . dead! 747 1st Prisoner. Why, we have only
729 1st Prisoner. At least you have 746 one, his most sacred majesty, King
726 your life, sir. I am sentenced to be 748 Edward the Sixth.

The Prince and the Pauper 357

750 2nd Prisoner. And whether he 782 drive back cheering Villagers,
752 be mad or not, his praises are on 783 among them Miles.
751 all men’s lips. He has saved many 785 Miles (distraught). I’ve lost him!
753 innocent lives, and now he means 784 Poor little chap! He has been
754 to destroy the cruelest laws that 786 swallowed up in the crowd!
755 oppress the people. 787 (Fanfare of trumpets is heard,
756 Prince (turning away, shaking his 788 then silence. Hertford, St. John,
757 head ). How can this be? Surely it is 789 Lords and Ladies enter slowly, in a
758 not that little beggar boy! (Sir Hugh 790 procession, followed by Pages, one
759 enters with Jailer.) 791 of whom carries crown on a small
760 Sir Hugh. Seize the impostor!
792 cushion. Tom follows procession,
793 looking about nervously. Suddenly,
761 Miles (as Jailer pulls him to his feet). 794 Prince, in rags, steps out from
762 Hugh, this has gone far enough! 795 crowd, his hand raised.)
763 Sir Hugh. You will sit in the public 796 Prince. I forbid you to set the
764 stocks for two hours, and the boy 797 crown of England upon that head. I
765 would join you if he were not so 798 am the King!
766 young. See to it, jailer, and after
767 two hours, you may release them. 799 Hertford. Seize the little vagabond!
768 Meanwhile, I ride to London for 800 Tom. I forbid it! He is the King!
769 the coronation!11 (Sir Hugh exits 801 (kneels before Prince) Oh, my lord
770 and Miles is hustled out by Jailer.) 802 the King, let poor Tom Canty be
771 Prince. Coronation! What does he
803 the first to say, “Put on your crown
772 mean? There can be no coronation 804 and enter into your own right
773 without me! (curtain falls) 805 again.” (Hertford and several Lords
806 look closely at both boys.)
Scene 8 807 Hertford. This is strange indeed.
808 (to Tom) By your favor, sir, I wish
774 Time: Coronation Day. 809 to ask certain questions of this lad.
775 Setting: Outside gates of 810 Prince. I will answer truly
776 Westminster Abbey, played before 811 whatever you may ask, my lord.
777 curtain. Painted screen or flat at
812 Hertford. But if you have been
778 rear represents Abbey. Throne is in
813 well trained, you may answer
779 center. Bench is near it.
814 my questions as well as our lord
780 At Curtain Rise: Lords and Ladies 815 the King. I need a definite proof.
781 crowd Abbey. Outside gates, Guards 816 (thinks a moment) Ah! Where lies

11
coronation (kôr´∂-n∑´sh∂n): the act of
crowning someone king or queen. In
England, coronations usually take place at a
large church in London called Westminster
Abbey.

358 Collection 6
817 the Great Seal of England? It has 852 St. John takes crown and places it
818 been missing for weeks, and only 853 on Prince. All kneel.)
819 the true Prince of Wales can say 854 Hertford. Let the small impostor
820 where it lies. 855 be flung into the Tower!
821 Tom. Wait! Was the seal round and 856 Prince ( firmly). I will not have it
822 thick, with letters engraved on it? 857 so. But for him, I would not have
823 (Hertford nods.) I know where it 858 my crown. (to Tom) My poor
824 is, but it was not I who put it there. 859 boy, how was it that you could
825 The rightful King shall tell you. 860 remember where I hid the Seal,
826 (to Prince) Think, my King, it was 861 when I could not?
827 the very last thing you did that day
828 before you rushed out of the palace 862 Tom (embarrassed ). I did not know
829 wearing my rags. 863 what it was, my King, and I used
864 it to . . . to crack nuts. (All laugh,
830 Prince (pausing). I recall how 865 and Tom steps back. Miles steps
831 we exchanged clothes, but have 866 forward, staring in amazement.)
832 no recollection12 of hiding the
834 Great Seal. 867 Miles. Is he really the King? Is he
868 indeed the sovereign of England,
833 Tom (eagerly). Remember when 869 and not the poor and friendless
835 you saw the bruise on my hand, 870 Tom o’ Bedlam14 I thought he was?
836 you ran to the door, but first you 871 (He sinks down on bench.) I wish I
838 hid this thing you call the Seal. 873 had a bag to hide my head in!
837 Prince (suddenly). Ah! I remember! 872 1st Guard (rushing up to him).
839 (to St. John) Go, my good St. John, 875 Stand up, you mannerless clown!
840 and you shall find the Great Seal in 876 How dare you sit in the presence of
841 the armor that hangs on the wall in 877 the King!
842 my chamber. (St. John hesitates, but
844 at a nod from Tom, hurries off. ) 874 Prince. Do not touch him! He
878 is my trusty servant, Miles
843 Tom (pleased ). Right, my King! 879 Hendon, who saved me from
845 Now the scepter13 of England is 880 shame and possible death. For
846 yours again. (St. John returns in a 881 his service, he owns the right to
847 moment with Great Seal.) 882 sit in my presence.
848 All (shouting). Long live Edward, 883 Miles (bowing, then kneeling). Your
849 King of England! (Tom takes off 884 Majesty!
850 his cape and throws it over Prince’s
851 rags. Trumpet fanfare is heard. 885 Prince. Rise, Sir Miles. I command
886 that Sir Hugh Hendon, who sits
887 within this hall, be seized and put
12
recollection (r≈k´∂-l≈k´sh∂n): a memory
or recalling to mind of something that 14
Tom o’ Bedlam: an insane person, such
happened before. as someone hospitalized at St. Mary of
13
scepter (s≈p´t∂r): a staff held by a king or Bethlehem Hospital, or Bedlam Hospital, in
queen as an emblem of authority. London.

The Prince and the Pauper 359

888 under lock and key until I have
889 need of him. (beckons to Tom)
890 From what I have heard, Tom
891 Canty, you have governed the
892 realm with royal gentleness and
893 mercy in my absence. Henceforth,
894 you shall hold the honorable title
895 of King’s Ward! (Tom kneels and
896 kisses Prince’s hand.) And because
897 I have suffered with the poorest of
898 my subjects and felt the cruel force
899 of unjust laws, I pledge myself to a
900 reign of mercy for all! (All bow low,
901 then rise.)
902 All (shouting). Long live the
903 King! Long live Edward, King of
904 England! (curtain)

COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION With a small group, identify

themes you can take away from the play. Explain how different
elements of the play support your ideas.

360 Collection 6
 EL A RL.6.3, RL.6.5
Describe Drama ELD PI.6.6, PI.6.7, PII.6.1

A drama, or play, is a form of literature that is meant to be performed by

actors in front of an audience. The author of a play is called a playwright or
dramatist. In some ways, a drama is similar to a story.
A play is structured in the following way:
t
A play is divided into acts, which are like chapters in a book. Each act
can be divided into smaller sections, called scenes.
t
A scene presents an episode of the plot and usually occurs at a single
place and time. A play’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as it moves
toward a resolution, similar to a story.
A short drama, like “The Prince and the Pauper,” may be presented as a
one-act play, in which each episode of the plot is presented as one scene.
The written format of a play consists of these elements:
t
A drama is written in the form of a script. A script usually includes a cast
of characters, dialogue, and stage directions.
t
A cast of characters is a list of all the characters in the play, often in
order of appearance. This list is usually found at the beginning of the
play and sometimes includes descriptions of the characters.
t
In drama, dialogue (written conversation between two or more
characters) and actions tell the story. Characters’ dialogue reveals their
thoughts, feelings, and traits as the plot moves forward.
t
Stage directions are instructions in the text about how to perform the
drama. Some stage directions tell about the scenery and setting. Other
stage directions appear within the dialogue to explain to actors how to
say or emphasize a line or speech, or to describe a physical action the
character should perform.
Although a drama is similar to a story, one important difference is that a
play is meant to be performed. Watching a play and reading a play are two
different experiences. Think about this as you analyze “The Prince and the
Pauper” or other dramas, using questions such as the following:
t
How is the play structured? Is it divided into acts, or is it just one act?
Why might the playwright have chosen this structure?
t
What is the play’s main conflict? How does the plot unfold, and how is
the conflict resolved?
t
Who are the main characters? How do I learn about what they are like
and how they respond to events?
t
How is the experience of reading a drama different from watching a live
performance of it? In what ways does the script help me?

The Prince and the Pauper 361

 eBook
EL A RL.6.1, RL.6.2, RL.6.3, RL.6.4, RL.6.5,
RL.6.7, SL.6.1, SL.6.4, SL.6.6 ELD PI.6.1,
Analyzing the Text PI.6.5, PI.6.6, PI.6.9, PI.6.10

Cite Text Evidence Support your responses with evidence from the text.
1. Summarize Review lines 29–137. Who are the two main characters? How
would you describe the main conflict introduced in this scene?
2. Compare Compare how Tom responds to his new situation in Scene One,
lines 157–280, with how the Prince behaves in Scene Two, lines 323–352.
Do the boys react in similar or different ways? What do their words and
behavior tell you about what they are like?
3. Analyze Review Scene Four, lines 442–532, in which Miles serves the
Prince a meal. How are the stage directions helpful to readers?
4. Analyze Review lines 710–732 in Scene Seven. How does the dialogue
help you understand what has happened to Miles?
5. Draw Conclusions Review lines 774–904 in Scene Eight. How is the play’s
conflict resolved? Think about the two main characters. Have either of
them undergone any great changes? Why or why not?
6. Synthesize The play is based on a novel by Mark Twain. Think about the
plot and characters. What aspects of the story make it well suited to a
dramatic performance?

PERFORMANCE TASK
Speaking Activity: Dramatic
Reading With a small group, rehearse
and then perform a portion of the play.
Then watch another group perform a
portion of the play.
t
Use the stage directions and what
you know about the character to
help you deliver your lines in a
convincing way.
t
When you rehearse and perform,
work to use appropriate eye contact,
speak at an adequate volume, and
pronounce words clearly.
t
When you watch the performance,
contrast it with what you “see” and
“hear” when you read the text on
your own.
t
Share your ideas with your group,
using examples from the text or
the performance to support those
ideas. Write a brief summary of your
discussion.

362 Collection 6