# VIII: The Question of the Seal explained — The Prince and the Pauper

> Chapter companion for The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain.

## What happens

King Henry VIII awakens from troubled dreams, aware of his failing health and eager to sign the warrant for the Duke of Norfolk's execution. He discovers the Great Seal is missing, having been given to the Prince of Wales (Tom Canty), who cannot recall where it is due to his affliction. The king, in a fit of rage, orders the Lord Chancellor to use the smaller seal and proceed with Norfolk's beheading.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Henry VIII's obsession with executing Norfolk before his own death illustrates the corrupting influence of absolute power and the king's willingness to use state machinery for personal vengeance.

### Justice and Injustice

The swift condemnation of the Duke of Norfolk without due process highlights the arbitrary and unjust nature of Tudor justice.

### Mercy and Redemption

Despite his own failing health, Henry VIII shows no mercy toward Norfolk, contrasting with the compassion he briefly expresses for the afflicted prince.

## Character check-ins

### Henry VIII

Awakens from troubled dreams, aware of his impending death, and is determined to see the Duke of Norfolk executed before he dies.

### Tom Canty

The Prince of Wales, who received the Great Seal but cannot recall where he put it due to his affliction.

### Lord Hertford

Kneels to inform the king that the Great Seal was given to the Prince of Wales, and later returns empty-handed after failing to retrieve it.

### Duke of Norfolk

The condemned premier peer of England, whose execution is ordered by the king.

### Lord St. John

Mentioned as one of the attendants present during the king's awakening.

## Key lines

> Troublous dreams, troublous dreams! Mine end is now at hand: so say these warnings, and my failing pulses do confirm it.

Henry VIII wakes from a restless nap, feeling that his death is near, as his dreams and weakening body warn him.

_The king acknowledges his mortality and the ominous signs of his declining health._

> Yet will not I die till he go before.

He is determined not to die until the Duke of Norfolk is executed first.

_Henry's vengeful resolve to see Norfolk dead before his own end._

> I put my Great Seal in commission: choose thou the lords that shall compose it, and get ye to your work. Speed ye, man! Before the sun shall rise and set again, bring me his head that I may see it.

The king orders the Lord Chancellor to form a commission to use the Great Seal, demanding Norfolk's head within a day.

_Henry's urgent and ruthless command to expedite Norfolk's execution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters/viii-the-question-of-the-seal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters