The Prince and the Pauper · Chapter
Edward as King explained
Miles Hendon searches for Edward in London, following the royal procession to Westminster, but falls asleep from exhaustion.
What happens
Miles Hendon searches for Edward in London, following the royal procession to Westminster, but falls asleep from exhaustion. He later approaches the palace to seek Sir Humphrey Marlow, but is arrested as a suspicious character. A document found on him leads to his release and escort into the palace, where he witnesses Edward, now crowned king, dispense justice: he restores Hendon's lands and titles, orders the arrest of Sir Hugh, and honors Tom Canty by making him the King's Ward.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
Edward, as king, rectifies past wrongs by restoring Miles Hendon's lands and punishing Sir Hugh, demonstrating the theme of rightful justice.
Mercy and Redemption
Tom Canty is praised for his gentle and merciful rule, and Edward shows mercy by honoring Tom rather than punishing him for impersonating the prince.
Identity and Appearance
Miles Hendon's ragged clothes make him conspicuous and lead to his arrest, while Tom Canty's royal attire marks his honored status as the King's Ward.
Characters to notice
- Miles Hendon
Searches for Edward through London, is arrested at the palace, and is ultimately restored to his lands and titles by the king.
- Edward VI
Now crowned king, he dispenses justice, restoring Miles Hendon's estates and punishing Sir Hugh, and honors Tom Canty.
- Tom Canty
Appears before the king, is praised for his merciful rule, and is granted the title of the King's Ward.
- Hugh Hendon
Stripped of his false show and stolen estates, and imprisoned by the king's order.
- Humphrey Marlow
Mentioned as the person Miles Hendon hopes to borrow money from; the whipping-boy notes he is deceased.
Key passages
“Miles Hendon was picturesque enough before he got into the riot on London Bridge—he was more so when he got out of it.”
Miles Hendon looked striking before the riot on London Bridge, but after it, he looked even more disheveled.
Describes Hendon's worsened appearance after the riot.
“He would not hunt for the boy, he would hunt for a crowd; in the centre of a big crowd or a little one, sooner or later, he should find his poor little friend, sure; and the mangy mob would be entertaining itself with pestering and aggravating the boy, who would be proclaiming himself king, as usual.”
Instead of searching directly for the boy, Miles planned to look for crowds, expecting to find Edward in the middle of one, being tormented while declaring himself king.
Explains Miles's strategy for finding Edward.
“To beg for it did not occur to him; as to pawning his sword, he would as soon have thought of parting with his honor; he could spare some of his clothes—yes, but one could as easily find a customer for a disease as for such clothes.”
Begging never crossed his mind, and pawning his sword was unthinkable—it would be like selling his honor. He could part with some clothes, but no one would buy such rags.
Highlights Miles's pride and the poor state of his clothing.
“The king did not name him so, but it mattereth not, this is his twin brother, and can give his Majesty news of t'other Sir-Odds-and-Ends, I warrant.”
The whipping-boy thought that although the king hadn't mentioned this name, this man must be the king's twin brother and could provide news about the other person the king sought.
Shows the whipping-boy's mistaken assumption about Miles Hendon.
“Now is my evil luck ended at last, for I shall dangle at a rope's end for a certainty, by reason of that bit of writing.”
Miles believed his bad luck had finally culminated, as he was sure he would be hanged because of the document found on him.
Miles's despair upon being arrested with the incriminating paper.
“Thou hast governed the realm with right royal gentleness and mercy.”
You have ruled the kingdom with true royal kindness and compassion.
Edward's praise for Tom Canty's rule.
