Принц і жебрак

           Theproperofficialpouredwater,theproperofficialengineeredthewashing,theproperofficialstoodbywithatowel,andby-and-byTomgotsafelythroughthepurifyingstageandwasreadyfortheservicesoftheHairdresser-royal.Whenheatlengthemergedfromthismaster’shands,hewasagraciousfigureandasprettyasagirl,inhismantleandtrunksofpurplesatin,andpurple-plumedcap.Henowmovedinstatetowardhisbreakfast-room,throughthemidstofthecourtlyassemblage;andashepassed,thesefellback,leavinghiswayfree,anddroppedupontheirknees.

           Afterbreakfasthewasconducted,withregalceremony,attendedbyhisgreatofficersandhisguardoffiftyGentlemenPensionersbearinggiltbattle-axes,tothethrone-room,whereheproceededtotransactbusinessofstate.His‘uncle,’LordHertford,tookhisstandbythethrone,toassisttheroyalmindwithwisecounsel.

           ThebodyofillustriousmennamedbythelateKingashisexecutorsappeared,toaskTom’sapprovalofcertainactsoftheirs—ratheraform,andyetnotwhollyaform,sincetherewasnoProtectorasyet.TheArchbishopofCanterburymadereportofthedecreeoftheCouncilofExecutorsconcerningtheobsequiesofhislatemostillustriousMajesty,andfinishedbyreadingthesignaturesoftheExecutors,towit:theArchbishopofCanterbury;theLordChancellorofEngland;WilliamLordSt.John;JohnLordRussell;EdwardEarlofHertford;JohnViscountLisle;CuthbertBishopofDurham—

           Tomwasnotlistening—anearlierclauseofthedocumentwaspuzzlinghim.