Принц і жебрак

           Hekeptmutteringtohimself,"OffalCourt—thatisthename;ifIcanbutfinditbeforemystrengthiswhollyspentandIdrop,thenamIsaved—forhispeoplewilltakemetothepalaceandprovethatIamnoneoftheirs,butthetrueprince,andIshallhavemineownagain."AndnowandthenhismindrevertedtohistreatmentbythoserudeChrist’sHospitalboys,andhesaid,"WhenIamking,theyshallnothavebreadandshelteronly,butalsoteachingsoutofbooks;forafullbellyislittleworthwherethemindisstarved,andtheheart.Iwillkeepthisdiligentlyinmyremembrance,thatthisday’slessonbenotlostuponme,andmypeoplesufferthereby;forlearningsofteneththeheartandbreedethgentlenessandcharity."

           Thelightsbegantotwinkle,itcameontorain,thewindrose,andarawandgustynightsetin.Thehouselessprince,thehomelessheirtothethroneofEngland,stillmovedon,driftingdeeperintothemazeofsqualidalleyswheretheswarminghivesofpovertyandmiseryweremassedtogether.

           Suddenlyagreatdrunkenruffiancollaredhimandsaid—

           "Outtothistimeofnightagain,andhastnotbroughtafarthinghome,Iwarrantme!Ifitbeso,an’Idonotbreakallthebonesinthyleanbody,thenamInotJohnCanty,butsomeother."

           Theprincetwistedhimselfloose,unconsciouslybrushedhisprofanedshoulder,andeagerlysaid—

           "Oh,arthisfather,truly?Sweetheavengrantitbeso—thenwiltthoufetchhimawayandrestoreme!"

           "Hisfather?Iknownotwhatthoumean’st;IbutknowIamthyfather,asthoushaltsoonhavecauseto—"