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Cast List Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Narrator 3 Narrator 4 Narrator 5 Narrator 6 Narrator 7 Narrator 8 Narrator 9 Narrator 10 Narrator 11 Narrator 12 Lord Hertford

Spy Bet Canty Nan Canty Queen of Luxembourg Queen of France Mrs. Canty Hugh Hendon Tom Canty Father Andrew Guard 1 Prince Edward John Canty Lord St. John Courtier Lady Elizabeth Queen of Kenya Henry the VIII

Queen of Namibia Waiter at the Inn Duchess of Abercorn Queen of Ireland Nosy Neighbor Grandma Canty Lady Jane Grey Countess of Strabane Mrs. Jones Miles Hendon Lady Edith Blake Edwards Queen of Egypt Guard 2

The Prince and the Pauper

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SCENE 1 SPY:

Allow me to introduce myself. I am a spy. I am spying on poor people in London. Perhaps I shall see someone doing a crime. Then I can report them to the police. And then I shall get a reward! (Evil laugh.) Brr. It is the morning of a blustery, October day. I am in the stairwell of a slum in Offal Court. Shh! Here come Nan, Bet and Tom Canty. They are the children of a thief named John Canty. And here is a kindly, old priest named Father Andrew. He was once an important man, a priest with his own church. Then the King changed the religion of England. The priests lost their jobs. They were thrown out of their churches. Some were even killed. Poor Father Andrew lost his job and his home. Now he lives in a slum, but he is still kind and good. Shh! Let’s watch.

FATHER ANDREW:

Children, wait a moment. Where are you off to?

NAN CANTY:

To beg, of course.

BET CANTY:

It’s our job. And if Dad catches us talking here…

NAN CANTY:

…he’ll whip us.

FATHER ANDREW:

Listen, my children. You have hard lives, but it does not always have to be that way. I can teach you. I can teach you to read and write. I can even teach you Latin, the language of kings. If you study with me, you can grow up and get a good job.

NAN CANTY:

We’re just poor folks. We don’t go to school. We beg. It’s what we do.

BET CANTY:

Yeah, school is just for rich boys. It’s not for the poor. And it’s definitely not for poor girls.

FATHER ANDREW:

That’s not true! The poor must go to school. Both girls and boys need an education. You don’t want to beg all your life, do you?

TOM CANTY:

No, I do not.

JOHN CANTY (suddenly appears and says): Hey! Priest! What are you doing? These kids should be out on the streets. They should be begging. If they don’t beg, we don’t eat. Quit bothering them! FATHER ANDREW:

Oh, Mr. Canty, please let your kids go to school. Only the educated will have a good life----

JOHN CANTY:

You’re educated and you live in the slums with us. So what does that prove?

FATHER ANDREW sighs. JOHN CANTY (to Nan, Bet and Tom): Well? What are you waiting for, kids? Hit the streets! Beg for pennies. Let’s move! (JOHN CANTY goes upstairs. NAN, BET, and TOM continue downstairs leaving FATHER ANDREW standing sadly by himself on the landing. After a moment, TOM CANTY tiptoes back.) TOM CANTY (to FATHER ANDREW): Father Andrew, I want to go to school. I want to learn to read and write. My sisters say they’ll cover for me. FATHER ANDREW: NARRATOR 1:

The Lord be praised! Let’s begin at once!

Tom studied with Father Andrew every day. He learned to read and write. He learned Latin, a language that only the powerful and the rich knew. He learned about kings and queens, politics and history. He grew very wise. And he knew what he wanted. TOM:

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I want, just once, to see a REAL prince.

SCENE 2 FATHER ANDREW:

Good morning, Tom. Today, we will study a poet named Ovid.

TOM CANTY:

Not today, Father.

FATHER ANDREW:

Why not?

TOM CANTY:

I’m going to the palace.

FATHER ANDREW:

Why?

TOM CANTY:

To see the prince.

FATHER ANDREW:

That is a terrible idea. I fear my teaching has put fancy ideas into your head. An education can help you have a better life. But you will never be a prince.

TOM CANTY:

I don’t want to BE a prince. I just want to SEE one.

FATHER ANDREW:

Very well, then. Please don’t get into any trouble.

TOM CANTY:

I won’t. I’ll see you tomorrow morning!

NARRATOR 2:

Tom walked many miles until he reached the royal palace.

TOM CANTY:

What an amazing palace! It must have over 100 rooms! If only I could see the prince. Wait! There’s a door opening! Is it? Could it be? It’s him! It’s Prince Edward! Prince Edward, hello!

GUARD 1:

Stand back from the gate!

TOM CANTY:

Prince Edward! Look over here! Hello!

GUARD 2: (throwing Tom away from the gate): GET BACK! PRINCE:

Stop! How dare you treat a young boy like that? Open the gates, and let him in!

GUARD:

At once, your highness.

PRINCE:

Dear boy, are you hurt?

TOM:

Not at all.

PRINCE:

That’s a bad bruise you’ve gotten. Come with me.

NARRATOR 2:

The Prince took Tom into his room. It was the grandest room Tom had ever seen.

PRINCE:

What’s your name?

TOM:

Tom Canty, sir.

PRINCE:

And where do you live?

TOM:

On the poor side of town. In Cheapside. On a little street called Offal Court.

PRINCE:

Do you have parents?

TOM:

Yes, sir, and twin sisters, and a grandmother.

PRINCE:

It must be nice to have a grandmother who lives with you. I have neither mother nor grandmother.

TOM:

My mother is lovely. My grandmother is not.

PRINCE:

She mistreats you?

TOM:

Yes, sir.

PRINCE:

How?

TOM:

She beats us.

PRINCE:

That is terrible. What about your father? Is he kind?

TOM:

No, your majesty. He is cruel.

PRINCE:

Perhaps our fathers are alike. Mine can be cruel, too. And what about your sisters?

TOM:

They are great. Their names are Nan and Bet.

PRINCE:

I have two sisters myself – Lady Elizabeth and Lady Mary. How many servants do you have?

TOM:

We have no servants, your majesty.

PRINCE:

No servants! I thought everyone had servants.

TOM:

Um, no.

PRINCE:

I can’t believe this. If you don’t have a servant, who on Earth dresses you?

TOM:

I dress myself.

PRINCE:

Shocking! I simply can’t imagine it. I feel so sad for you. You poor, poor boy.

TOM:

It’s really not so bad. I have fun sometimes. Like in the summer---the other boys and I jump in the river and swim. And then we wrestle in the mud.

PRINCE:

I can’t believe that the people looking after you let you do that!

TOM:

Um…nobody looks after us. We just pretty much do whatever we want. We can roam the entire city if we want.

PRINCE:

You can?

TOM:

Well how do you think I got here today? I just left my home and I walked and I walked and I walked.

PRINCE:

It sounds like glorious fun! If only I could be you--just for a day!

TOM:

If only I could see what it’s like to be a prince in the palace! But it’s just a crazy dream.

PRINCE:

Maybe not. Here’s what we’re going to do. Let’s swap clothes. We look a lot alike. Everyone will think that I’m you.

TOM:

And that YOU are me!

PRINCE:

Then, I’ll leave the palace and explore the town. Later, I will return and we’ll switch back.

TOM:

Can we really do this?

PRINCE:

Oh yes, we can! It’s on!

NARRATOR 2:

The boys swapped clothes. The prince put on the rags of Tom. Remember, there were no showers in the Tudor period. People took a bath maybe once a year.

PRINCE:

Yuck, this smells!

NARRATOR 2:

And Tom put on the prince’s clothes!

TOM: smelly!

These heavy silks and velvets are hot! And itchy! And

PRINCE:

Now, BEFORE we switch places, I am going to run downstairs and tell the guard to always let you in whenever you appear at the gates. That way, he’ll let me in when I come to the gates tonight. And that way, we can swap places back again tonight. With no problem at all!

TOM:

But wait---

NARRATOR 2:

Before Tom could say more, the prince ran downstairs in Tom’s rags to find the guard.

TOM (after the PRINCE has left, calls after him): But your highness! Come back! Don’t you see? You are wearing my rags. What if he mistakes you….for…ME? NARRATOR 2:

And that’s just what happened…

GUARD 1:

Oh, it’s you again. The beggar boy.

GUARD 2:

Yeah, you got my mate in trouble.

PRINCE:

Now, see here, guards. I am the Prince of Wales. You laid hands on a young friend of mine. I simply won’t have it. I command you to ALWAYS let that young man into the palace whenever he presents himself at the gates.

GUARD 1:

Listen, you crazy so-and-so. You’re just a poor beggar who Prince Edward took pity on.

GUARD 2:

That’s right. No one cares about you. Out with you! (they grab him and throw the PRINCE out of the palace gates) Unhand me! Don’t you get it? I am Edward Prince of Wales!

PRINCE: GUARD 1 : GUARD 2: GUARD 1: GUARD 2: NARRATOR 2: 12

Yeah. And I’m the Queen of Sheba. And he’s definitely not the Queen of Sheba. I’ll tell you something. You ever show up here again, you’re gonna get a knuckle sandwich. Yeah, make that a DOUBLE knuckle sandwich. And the guards picked up Prince Edward and THREW him onto the pavement.

SCENE 3 NARRATOR 3:

Well, what could the young prince do? He walked and walked and walked through the streets of London. It was cold and soon, darkness fell.

PRINCE:

What shall I do? What shall I do? How shall I get back to the palace? And how will I get them to let me back in?

JOHN CANTY:

There you are, Tom!

PRINCE:

Tom? (to himself) That’s the name of the beggar back in my palace. Can this be his father?

JOHN CANTY:

Yep. I am your father.

PRINCE:

No, you are not. I am the Prince of Wales.

JOHN CANTY:

And I’m the Queen of Sheba.

GRANDMA CANTY: And he’s not the Queen of Sheba. Remember me, your Grandma? PRINCE:

No. Because I am NOT Tom Canty. I am the Prince of Wales.

JOHN CANTY:

Stop muttering like a lunatic. Show me how much money you made today. GRANDMA CANTY: Yeah, show him how much money you made today. PRINCE:

JOHN CANTY:

Good man, what I am about to tell you may sound strange, but it is true. I am not your son, though I do look like him. I am, in fact, the Prince of Wales.

You’re stark raving mad, boy! But I’ll beat some sense into you. GRANDMA CANTY: And I’ll help! 13

PRINCE:

Ow! Ouch! Ow!

SCENE 4 NARRATOR 4:

Back at the castle, Tom was getting worried.

TOM (to himself):

Where is the prince? He’s been gone for hours.

COURTIER:

Your royal highness, I—

TOM:

I keep telling you I am NOT the royal highness.

COURTIER:

Oh dear! The young prince has gone quite mad. I must get his Protector.

(The Courtier goes away and comes back with Lord Hertford who bows before TOM). LORD HERTFORD:

Your royal highness, may I be of service?

TOM:

Look, I know I bear a strong resemblance to Prince Edward, but I am not in fact him.

LORD HERTFORD:

Oh dear!

COURTIER:

See what I mean? He’s gone totally mad.

TOM:

I am not totally mad. I am just a poor boy from Cheapside. Well from Offal Court, to be exact.

LORD HERTFORD:

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

(to the courtier)

I will have to tell his majesty about this turn of events. It’s a great pity as the king is so ill.

(to TOM)

Your highness, get some rest. By and by, I shall bring you to your father, the king.

TOM:

But the King is NOT my father.

COURTIER AND HERTFORD: (they exit)

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!

NARRATOR 4:

Soon, the King was told the news.

LORD HERTFORD:

The Prince is quite mad, sire.

HENRY:

Send for him!

(The COURTIER returns with TOM) HENRY:

My darling son! Come here!

TOM:

Your royal highness, I am not your son.

HENRY:

Oh, Edward! My poor boy!

TOM:

I am sorry to displease you, your highness. But Edward and I switched clothes. He is out and about in London. And I am just a poor boy from Cheapside.

COURTIER:

You see, your highness. Your son, the prince, has gone quite mad.

HENRY: (to the courtier) Silence! (to TOM) My dear boy, don’t you know who I am? TOM:

(dropping to his knees): Sire, you are the king of England!

HENRY

(begins to cry with happiness): What a relief! You recognize me! You’re not crazy. You are perfectly all right.

TOM:

Yes, I am perfectly all right. And I know that you are the king of England.

HENRY:

That is music to my ears, child.

TOM:

But you are not my father…

HENRY:

Oh! It is like a knife in my heart!

COURTIER:

See? He really is crazy!

TOM:

And I am not the prince of England.

HENRY:

Another knife in the heart! Oh, then it is true! He really is mad! He is insane!

COURTIER:

I told you.

TOM:

Please listen to me, your majesty. I am a helpless pauper. I bear a VERY STRONG resemblance to your son, BUT I am not him!

HENRY:

He is completely insane!

COURTIER:

True.

HENRY:

Oh my poor child! Where is your protector, Lord Hertford?

HERTFORD:

I am here, sire.

HENRY:

Hertford, the prince has gone mad. I think I know why. He has been studying too much. Let him rest and have fun. Why, if gameboys existed in our time, I would let him play with one to his heart’s content! In short, let him chillax in the castle. By and by, he will regain his sanity.

HERTFORD:

As your will commands, sire.

HENRY:

Come closer, Hertford: If I should die--- let everyone in England know: Be he mad or sane, Prince Edward shall rule England after my death!

HERTFORD:

As you wish, sire. (to himself) Great! We’ll be ruled by a crazy king. (to the king)

TOM:

Please, sire, believe me: I am Tom Canty from---

HENRY:

Now no more of that, Edward. This is your king speaking. I command you to STOP denying that you are the prince of Wales.

TOM:

You are the king. I must obey anything you ask of me.

HENRY:

That’s a good boy. Repeat after me: “I am Prince Edward”

TOM:

I am Prince Edward.” (to himself) But I’m not!!!!

SCENE 5 NARRATOR 5:

Later that day, the prince’s sister, Lady Elizabeth, and his cousin, Lady Jane, came to visit Tom.

LADY ELIZABETH:

Edward, let’s play chess.

TOM:

I’d love to, but I don’t know how.

LADY ELIZABETH:

But your grace, you have been playing chess with me since we were little. Don’t you remember?

HERTFORD (whispers into TOM’s ear): TOM:

Remember the king’s command: you must not deny that you are the prince.

Um…..of course, I remember.

LADY JANE:

Then why did you say that you cannot play chess?

LADY ELIZABETH:

Everyone knows you are a grand master at chess.

TOM:

Um…I was kidding.

LADY JANE:

Let’s have a game then.

TOM:

Sure .

NARRATOR 5:

Tom played chess with Lady Elizabeth

ELIZABETH:

I won! And it was so easy!

LADY JANE:

You made such simple mistakes, your majesty!

LADY ELIZABETH:

It was like you’d REALLY never played before.

TOM: 19

Uh huh.

LADY JANE whispers to LADY ELIZABETH: Oh dear, Lady Elizabeth, it seems the prince really has gone mad. LADY ELIZABETH:

I fear you are correct. My poor brother!

NARRATOR 5:

Later that day, Henry called Hertford to him.

HERTFORD:

You called, your highness?

HENRY:

Yes. I want the Duke of Norfolk to be killed. Tomorrow.

HERTFORD:

May I ask what crime Norfolk is guilty of?

HENRY:

Treason. I don’t like the color of his hat.

HERTFORD:

I see. (to himself.) Like father, like son. They are both mad!

HENRY:

Bring me my Royal Seal so I can stamp these orders for the executioner.

HERTFORD:

Where is the royal seal, your highness?

HENRY:

I gave it to Edward just yesterday. Get it from the prince.

NARRATOR 5:

So Hertford went to the prince.

HERTFORD:

Your grace, I need to bring the royal seal to his majesty, your father.

TOM:

Okay.

HERTFORD:

Can you show me where it is?

TOM:

No.

HERTFORD:

But you had it last.

TOM:

I did? I forgot.

HERTFORD:

Now listen to me, your majesty. This is most serious. The royal seal is very important. Without it, the king cannot make laws! Think! Where did you put it?

TOM:

I don’t know. I just don’t know. Because I am not Edward!

HERTFORD:

The king commanded you not to say that!

NARRATOR 5:

Hertford told the king what happened.

HENRY:

Will the boy never get well?

HERTFORD:

We cannot execute Norfolk without the seal.

HENRY:

We’ll have to postpone the execution until the seal is found.

SCENE 6 NARRATOR 6:

Meanwhile, John Canty dragged Prince Edward to his house.

JOHN CANTY:

Come here, you.

PRINCE:

Unhand me, sir! I am Edward, Prince of Wales!

FATHER ANDREW:

What is going on here? Stop hurting poor Tom!

JOHN CANTY:

Stay out of this, you pesky priest!

FATHER ANDREW:

I cannot stand by while a child is being harmed!

(JOHN CANTY took a hammer and hit Father Andrew on the head) JOHN CANTY:

That’ll shut you up!

FATHER ANDREW (in great pain): OW!!!! I am slain! I am slain! NARRATOR 6:

Then John Canty dragged Edward into the house.

JOHN CANTY:

Get in here, Tom! It may not be a palace but it is your home.

PRINCE:

I am not Tom. I bear a very strong resemblance to him, but I am NOT TOM.

MRS. CANTY:

What has become of you, Tom?

JOHN CANTY:

It’s that reading he’s always doing. It’s bad for him.

PRINCE:

I tell you again. I am the Prince of Wales.I have never seen any of you before in my whole life.

MRS. CANTY:

Oh Tom? You don’t recognize me? Not even your own mother?

PRINCE:

My mother died nine days after I was born.

MRS CANTY: (sobbing)

Oh Tom! How can you be so cruel?

PRINCE:

I do not mean to be cruel, but I am not Tom. I tell you a thousand times: Tom is at the castle. He is my friend. And I am the prince!!!

CANTY: (sarcastically): Tom Canty and the Prince of Wales are friends! A likely story. Nan, Bet, haven’t you heard. Your brother is a prince. Curtsy before the prince! NAN:

Father, Tom is worn out. Please let him rest. I’m sure he’ll be better tomorrow. Please leave him alone so he can beg even harder tomorrow.

PRINCE:

I will not beg. I’m not a beggar!

GRANDMA CANTY:

You’re a Canty. And you’re born to beg!

PRINCE:

I’d rather die.

GRANDMA CANTY:

That can be arranged.

NARRATOR 6:

Canty hit the prince and threw him to the floor.

CANTY:

Boy, you’ll beg tomorrow, and you’ll like it.

GRANDMA CANTY: MOTHER CANTY:

Just you leave him to me, son. I’ll give this kid a beating the likes of which he’ll never forget. No!!!! Don’t hurt him!

PRINCE:

Step aside, Mrs. Canty. I will not have you absorb the blows intended for me.

NARRATOR 6:

After Edward was beaten, the family fell asleep. Early the next morning, one of Canty’s neighbors knocked on his door.

NOSY NEIGHBOR:

Do you know who it was that you knocked out last night?

CANTY:

No, and I don’t care.

NOSY NEIGHBOR:

It was old Father Andrew, and he’s died of his wounds! The police are on their way here! You’re in big trouble, dude. You’re going to be executed. If I was you, I would run!

CANTY:

Everyone, wake up! We’ve got to run away! If we get separated, we’ll meet at London Bridge.

GRANDMA CANTY: Just wait till I get my cane! Let’s go! NARRATOR 6:

As everyone ran for their lives, the prince managed to run away from John Canty.

PRINCE:

Now, if only I can find my way to the palace!

SCENE 7 NARRATOR 7:

Edward managed to run all the way back to the palace gates.

PRINCE:

Let me in! Let me in!

GUARD 1:

It’s that crazy beggar boy. He’s back again!

GUARD 2:

We told you if you ever came back again, you’d get a knuckle sandwich.

PRINCE :

This is my home. I am the Prince! Don’t you recognize me?

GUARD 1:

In those rags? No.

PRINCE:

Let me in!

GUARD 1:

Look. We told ya. Don’t come around here any more.

PRINCE:

Father! King Henry! Father!

GUARD 2:

One knuckle sandwich coming right up.

GUARD 1:

Make that a double knuckle sandwich with a side order of fries.

(The guards begin beating the Prince) PRINCE:

I am Edward, Prince of Wales! And even though I’m alone and friendless, I will stand my ground!

(They continue to fight) NARRATOR 7:

Suddenly, a tall, muscular man appeared. He was dressed in fine, but faded, clothing and carried a sword.

MILES:

Young man, you’re not friendless as long as Miles Hendon is around.

(He jumps off his horse and punches the guards. Then he turns to Edward) MILES:

Let’s get out of here.

NARRATOR 7:

Miles Hendon led the Prince to safety.

MILES (to Edward):

What was going on back there?

EDWARD:

I was trying to get home.

MILES:

To the palace?

EDWARD:

(he nods) I am the Prince, you see.

MILES:

I see.

(to the audience): I don’t think this kid is really the Prince. He is probably crazy. Maybe he has had such a hard life that it has made him that way. I think he is a very good boy, though. He needs someone to take care of him until he gets stronger. I will look after him. Then, when he is healthy again, he will stop calling himself the Prince. NARRATOR 7:

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Hertford had important news for Tom.

HERTFORD:

The king is dead! (bowing before Tom) Long live the king!

TOM: (to himself)OMG. First I am the prince. And now I am the King of England. And I am really just a pauper. I wonder what the real prince is doing right now. Oh well, Time to rule. (LADY MARY, LADY ELIZABETH AND LADY JANE rush in. They are all crying). LADY MARY:

Our poor father! Oh Edward!

LADY ELIZABETH: I can’t believe he is gone! I miss him so! LADY JANE: 26

And now you are king! And soon you will have to marry.

TOM:

Gulp.

HERTFORD:

Long live Edward, King of England.

SCENE 8 NARRATOR 8:

As the prince walked with Miles past London Bridge, someone grabbed him.

CANTY:

Ello, ello, ello! So---you thought you’d escape my evil clutches. Well, not so fast!

MILES:

Who is this crude man, boy?

CANTY:

I am his father. And this is a father and son reunion. So step off!

MILES:

Boy, whether this creep is your father or not, I’ll see that he doesn’t touch you if you’d rather stay with me.

PRINCE:

I don’t know this man, and I would rather die before I’d go with him.

MILES:

Then it’s settled. This boy is under my protection now, so be on your way, sir.

JOHN CANTY:

This isn’t over. You hear me? This isn’t over!

EDWARD:

What do we do now?

MILES:

Come. Let’s have dinner.

NARRATOR 8:

They went to a restaurant. Edward sat down. So did Miles.

PRINCE:

How dare you?

MILES:

Excuse me?

PRINCE:

Don’t you know who I am? I am the Prince of Wales. A commoner such as yourself cannot sit in my presence.

MILES:

My apologies, sire.

PRINCE:

Well?

MILES:

Well what?

PRINCE:

Aren’t you going to stand up?

MILES:

You want me to stand up throughout the entire meal.

PRINCE:

Of course. I’m royal. You’re not.

MILES (standing up):

Of course.

WAITER:

Drinks on the house.

MILES:

What for?

WAITER:

Haven’t you heard? King Henry is dead. Young Prince Edward is now the king and long may he live!

PRINCE: (He starts to cry)

Father! Dead?

MILES (to the audience): The boy is crying! It seems that he really believes he is the prince, I mean, the King. He is even sicker than I thought. (to PRINCE)

Are you all right, young sir?

PRINCE:

My father just died and I am the King of England--except my own guards will not let me into the palace gates. In a word, NO—I AM NOT ALL RIGHT!

MILES:

Sorry for asking.

PRINCE:

Please – tell me your story. Perhaps it will help me to forget my troubles.

MILES:

Well, I grew up in a mansion called Hendon Hall.

PRINCE:

With a mother and a father?

MILES:

Just a father. My mother died when I was a boy.

PRINCE:

So did mine.

MILES:

My father is a rich and generous man.

PRINCE:

So is mine. Or, he was.

MILES:

I have two brothers.

PRINCE:

I have two sisters.

MILES:

My older brother Arthur is kind. My younger brother Hugh is vicious and greedy.

PRINCE:

Are you close to your brothers?

MILES:

I haven’t seen them for 10 years. You see, I left home ten years ago to fight in a war in France. Seven years ago, I was captured in battle. Ever since then, I have been locked away in a French prison. I was only let out last week.

PRINCE:

You are a good man, and a great Englishman. So you have not been home in ten years. You must be excited to go home.

MILES:

I am indeed, your majesty. And I can only pray that the love of my life, Lady Edith, is waiting for me.

PRINCE:

I will return with you to Hendon Hall to reunite you with your family. In the meantime, you have served me well and deserve a reward. Name your desire.

MILES:

It may sound odd, sire, but I request that I be allowed to sit in the king’s presence.

PRINCE:

Your request is granted. Along with this: You are now Sir Miles Hendon, royal knight. Now, please sit down.

SCENE 9 NARRATOR 9:

Tom who’d soon be crowned king, was finally getting comfortable in the castle. But the hundreds of servants still confused him – especially one.

TOM:

You say you are my whipping boy?

HUMPHREY:

Yes, sire. Humphrey Marlow, at your service.

TOM:

As you know, Humphrey, I have a problem with my memory. Please tell me how you serve me.

HUMPHREY:

Well, when you fail your Greek lessons, your teacher whips me – and you did fail your last test, two days ago.

TOM:

You are whipped for my failings?

HUMPHREY:

Always, sire. Will the whippings take place today?

TOM:

No. No one shall whip you today.

HUMPHREY:

Thank you, sire! But there is one other thing –

TOM:

Yes?

HUMPHREY:

Now that you’ll be king, perhaps you’ll give up your studies. Then you’d never fail any more tests, and I’d be out of a job. I’ll never get whipped…and I’ll never be paid.

TOM:

Don’t worry, Humphrey. I declare you the Hereditary Grand Whipping Boy to the royal house of England! You and your children will always have a job here.

HUMPHREY:

You mean that me and my children will be whipping boys for the royal family for ever and ever? Sire, you’ve made me so happy!

TOM:

You’re welcome, Humphrey.

NARRATOR 9:

Tom spent many hours with Humphrey. Later that day, he impressed Hertford with his returned “memory.”

HERTFORD:

I am so glad to see you so well again, my lord. Now do you remember where you put the Royal Seal?

TOM:

What does this seal look like?

HERTFORD:

Alas! You lost your wits again! But you still have four days before you’re crowned king. By then, you will be well. Now on to more important matters. I have invited the Lady Mary, Lady Elizabeth and Lady Jane Grey to be present for this important meeting. (LADY MARY, LADY ELIZABETH AND LADY JANE GREY enter).

TOM:

What’s going on?

LADY MARY:

It’s about your marriage.

TOM:

My marriage!? But I’m only 12.

LADY ELIZABETH: You are a king now. LADY JANE: LADY MARY:

And kings must have queens. You don’t have to marry right away.

LADY ELIZABETH: Just, you know, soon. LADY JANE: TOM: LADY MARY: 32

The important thing is that you must get engaged. Engaged! Now, don’t worry.

LADY ELIZABETH: We know what you’re thinking. LADY JANE: You’re probably wondering, “Where am I going to meet the woman I want to marry?” TOM:

Woman?

LADY MARY: Well, we have assembled all the duchesses and countesses and princesses and queens from kingdoms all around the world. You can talk to each of them and figure out who you want to marry. (The queens and princesses enter.) TOM:

Right now?

LADY ELIZABETH:

Edward, you are the king.

LADY JANE:

And a king needs a queen. May I present

(as her title is called each woman curtsies) The Queen of Luxembourg, the Queen of France, the Queen of Namibia, the Queen of Egypt, the Queen of Ireland, the Queen of Kenya, the Duchess of Abercorn and the Countess of Strabane QUEEN of NAMIBIA: Your royal highness, it is so cold and rainy in England. In Namibia, it is sunny all the time. We have beautiful beaches and good weather all year long. QUEEN OF FRANCE: Your royal highness, my country of France and your country of England have always been neighbors. Think of how easy it would be for us to travel between our two countries! QUEEN OF IRELAND: Your royal highness, my land of Ireland is also your neighbor. Plus, we speak English. And we play wonderful music. And we have Irish dancing (like this) Doesn’t it look like fun? QUEEN OF EGYPT: Your royal highness, my land of Egypt has pyramids and many ancient treasures. No country could be nearly as beautiful or interesting as Egypt. We could sail down the Nile and have wonderful adventures! 33

QUEEN OF KENYA: Your royal highness, my country of Kenya is the best of all. We have tall, elegant giraffes and big, beautiful elephants whose memory never fades. We have beautiful sunsets and the loveliest landscape of any land on Earth. DUCHESS OF STRABANE: Your royal highness, I am from Scotland where there are vast lands as far as the eye can see. By marrying me,you would unite Scotland and England. Surely you want to unite the country? COUNTESS OF ABERCORN: And as for my land, your royal highness, it is the richest land in Wales. By marrying me, you would unite Wales and England. Plus, Wales is the closest land to England. So commuting between our countries would be a snap. LADY MARY:

Well, Edward? To whom would you like to marry?

TOM: Um….. (And he runs screaming from the room).

SCENE 10 NARRATOR 10: Meanwhile, Miles Hendon and the real prince arrived at Hendon Hall. MILES:

Welcome to Hendon Hall, my king! I am finally home!

NARRATOR 10: As they reached the gate, Miles saw his brother, Hugh. MILES:

Hugh! I have returned! Call our father to the gate, for I will not feel at home until I see his face again!

HUGH:

Stranger, you seem to be out of your wits. Who do you imagine yourself to be?

MILES:

Don’t you recognize me, Hugh? I am Miles, your brother.

HUGH:

Miles?! You must be joking. I got a letter seven years ago telling me that my brother died in battle. Miles is dead. You are cruel to pretend to be him.

MILES:

Hugh, you can see that it’s me, your brother. Whatever that letter said, it was obviously a lie. I am standing in front of you.

EDWARD:

Yeah, he’s standing right in front of you.

MILES:

And clearly, I am very much alive.

HUGH:

You dare to continue to lie! Get out of here! Miles Hendon is dead.

MILES:

Call my father! Call Arthur! Surely they’ll recognize me!

HUGH:

I cannot. They are dead.

MILES:

They’re both dead? I can’t believe it!

PRINCE:

I am sorry, my friend. This is sad news.

HUGH:

Yes, when they received the letter saying that our dear brother Miles had died on a field in France, they died of grief.

MILES:

What of Lady Edith? Please tell me she survived.

PRINCE:

Yes. Please!

HUGH:

Oh, yes, she survived.

MILES:

Thank goodness!

PRINCE:

Yes, thank goodness!

HUGH:

She married.

MILES:

She did? I see.

HUGH:

So now if you’ll please leave. You can see that there is nothing for you here.

MILES:

I can’t believe you don’t recognize me, Hugh.

HUGH:

Well, I don’t.

MILES:

I must find the Lady Edith. She will certainly recognize me. Do you know where she lives?

HUGH:

She lives right here, stranger.

MILES:

You don’t mean? It can’t be!

EDITH (suddenly appears): MILES: 36

Hello.

Edith, my darling! Please don’t tell me you married MY BROTHER!!

HUGH:

Lady Edith, do you know this man?

NARRATOR 10:

Lady Edith looked at Miles with sadness in her eyes.

EDITH:

I do not know him!

HUGH: Stranger, we’ve had enough of this nonsense. My wife does not know you. Neither do I. MILES:

Your wife! Now I understand! It was YOU who wrote the letter claiming I was dead.

EDWARD:

That’s cold.

MILES: You knew that Arthur and Dad would die of grief. And then you would be free---free to steal Edith – and Hendon Hall –from me! NARRATOR 10: Miles attacked Hugh, but the guards overpowered him. HUGH:

Throw him and his worthless boy into the dungeon.

EDITH:

Don’t hurt them! (to herself) I knew Miles was still alive. I could feel it! I love him still!

SCENE 11 NARRATOR 11: Miles and Edward stayed in the dungeon. One night, Edith visited him – with a warning. EDITH:

Stranger, I know you believe you are Miles Hendon. But my husband is master of this town. If he says you are a mad imposter, then you are.

MILES:

So you believe me, Edith?

EDITH:

Listen to me carefully, dear sir. Even if you were Miles Hendon, you would be a threat to all that Hugh has. Hugh has everything that should belong to Miles---and he would rather kill Miles, wherever he may be, than give it up.

MILES: (to himself)

She does know me.

NARRATOR 11: One afternoon, the prison officers brought in Blake Andrews, an old man who was once Miles’ servant. OFFICER: Do you recognize anyone in this cell, old man? BLAKE:

No, all I see are street scum. Which one says he’s Miles Hendon?

OFFICER:

This big animal here.

BLAKE:

This is not Miles Hendon!

OFFICER:

Of course not! Why don’t you give him a piece of your mind? All the others do.

NARRATOR 11: Blake approached Hendon and, between insults, whispered to him what he was really thinking. BLAKE: 38

You’re the scum of the earth! – Sir Miles, say the word and I’ll shout in the streets that you have returned –

MILES:

Don’t put yourself in danger.

BLAKE:

You should be hanged! – I wish you were out of this cell. Hugh tortures Lady Edith and all the servants –

PRINCE:

Old man, it has been long since we’ve heard news from London. Has the new king been crowned yet?

BLAKE:

You worthless beggar boy! You don’t even deserve death! – King Edward will be crowned day after tomorrow. But there is a rumor going around that Edward is mad –

PRINCE:

Mad!?

BLAKE: PRINCE:

Yes, but we hear he gets better every day, and that he is wise and humane. His first acts were to spare the Duke of Norfolk and to destroy his father’s cruelest laws and punishments. How has that beggar boy fooled all the men of the castle? And learned to rule so wisely?

NARRATOR 11: Suddenly, the prison officers grabbed Miles and the prince. OFFICER:

Looks like you two are going to see daylight! Sir Hugh wants to put this imposter in the stocks so everyone can take a look at a liar.

NARRATOR 11: Miles was led to the town square and his arms and legs locked into the wooden frame of the stocks. The handcuffed prince looked on helplessly. PRINCE:

Sir Miles is a servant of the king of England! I demand you set him free!

HUGH:

Officer, give the little fool a whipping to teach him to watch his tongue.

MILES:

No! Let the boy go! I’ll take his whipping.

HUGH:

Very well.

NARRRATOR 11:

As the officers whipped Miles, the crowd grew quiet, respecting a man who would take a whipping to spare an insane boy. Hugh, realizing the people were starting to turn against him, ordered the whipping stopped.

HUGH:

Stranger, you are free to leave this town. I shall return your sword and horse, but if I ever see you near Hendon Hall again, I’ll have you hung!

PRINCE:

Sir Miles, you have saved your king from public shame. Edward of England promotes you to earl.

NARRATOR 11: Miles was touched and began to believe that the boy actually was the king. MILES:

Your majesty, I await your command. Where shall we ride?

PRINCE:

To London! To win back my crown!

SCENE 12 NARRATOR 12: As Miles and the prince raced to London, Tom rode in a royal parade. Thousands of people filled the streets to look at the new king. TOM:

All these people have come to see me?!

HERTFORD:

You are their king, and you are performing marvelously well today. You have returned to full health just in time.

NARRATOR 12: Suddenly, a ragged woman ran up to the royal carriage. MRS. CANTY:

Tom! I know it’s you! That wasn’t you at our house that night. My son!

TOM:

I – I do not know you, woman.

HERTFORD:

Officers, have this woman taken away! She offends the King.

NARRATOR 12: Mrs. Canty was pushed back into the crowd, and Tom stopped smiling. He was suddenly very homesick. HERTFORD:

My lord, don’t let that crazy pauper woman disturb your great day.

TOM: She was my mother! NARRATOR 12: After a day-long celebration, Tom returned to the castle. There the Archbishop of Canterbury, chief religious official of England, waited to place the crown on the head of King Edward VI. NARRATOR 12: As the archbishop raised the crown above Tom’s head, another boy, dressed in rags, ran in. An older man followed him. PRINCE:

I forbid you to set the crown of England upon that head! I am the true king!

TOM:

He is! He is the king!

MILES:

I must be dreaming! My little beggar boy is truly the king of England?!

HERTFORD:

Nonsense! Your majesty let the guards take these beggars away.

TOM:

No! I order you not to touch them!

NARRATOR 12: Hertford suddenly noticed that the two boys were identical. He realized that he had to find a way to prove which one was the true king. HERTFORD:

There is one question that I know only the true Edward VI can answer: Where is the Royal Seal of England?

NARRATOR 12: The prince turned to one of the nobleman. PRINCE:

Lord St. John, I hid the Royal Seal in the helmet of the royal armor that hangs on the wall of my room.

HERTFORD:

The beggar knows St. John’s name?

TOM:

You heard the king’s command. Go!

NARRATOR 12: Lord St. John ran off and soon returned with the Royal Seal. HERTFORD: (bowing to the prince): Long live the true king! TOM: (also bowing):

Now, my king, please take these clothes back, and give poor Tom, your servant, his shredded rags again.

HERTFORD:

And then, guards, have this boy put to death for impersonating the king!

PRINCE:

No! This boy is innocent of wrongdoing, and I won’t punish him.I have learned much about our country’s laws since I left

the castle. All kings should walk as paupers for a few days to see how their laws affect the people – and so learn mercy. NARRATOR 12: In all the confusion, Miles Hendon sat down next to Edward’s throne. HERTFORD:

Stand up, you mannerless clown! You sit in the presence of your king!

PRINCE:

Do not disturb him! It is Sir Miles‘s right to sit. Hertford, send the guards to capture Sir Hugh Hendon and place him in the Tower to await my punishment for theft, fraud, and cruelty. And have his wife, Lady Edith, brought here.

NARRATOR 12: But Sir Miles asked that Hugh Hendon not be punished. Hugh soon left England and died in Europe. After that, Miles finally married Edith. NARRATOR 12: King Edward knighted Tom Canty and put him in charge of King’s Hospital. With his mother and sisters, Tom watched over all the poor and sick street children of London. John Canty was never seen again. NARRATOR 12: Edward VI died young after a short and merciful reign. He never married. His advisers often protested his soft sentences of poor beggars and thieves. They said the guilty did not suffer enough, but the king always answered the same way. PRINCE:

THE END

What do you know of suffering? And my people know, but you do not.