Принц и нищий
The Prince’s troubles begin
Thiswasvastlyenjoyed,asthelaughtertestified.Theyouthwhohadfirstspoken,shoutedtohiscomrades—
"Ho,swine,slaves,pensionersofhisgrace’sprincelyfather,wherebeyourmanners?Downonyourmarrowbones,allofye,anddoreverencetohiskinglyportandroyalrags!"
Withboisterousmirththeydroppedupontheirkneesinabodyanddidmockhomagetotheirprey.Theprincespurnedthenearestboywithhisfoot,andsaidfiercely—
"Takethouthat,tillthemorrowcomeandIbuildtheeagibbet!"
Ah,butthiswasnotajoke—thiswasgoingbeyondfun.Thelaughterceasedontheinstant,andfurytookitsplace.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.
