王子和贫儿 The Prince and the Pauper

The Prince and the Pauper

Chapter 01 The Prince and the Pauper Are Born Two boys were born on the same day. Edward Tudor was born in Westminster Palace. His father was the King of England. Everybody blessed the birth of the Prince of Wales. The other child was Tom Canty. He was bom in a family of paupers. Nobody blessed the birth of the child. Tom's family lived in a small, dirty place in London.

Tom had to beg every day, but he was a bright boy. Father Andrew taught Tom how to read and write. He told Tom charming tales about kings and princes. " How wonderful it would be to be a prince! I would like to see one some time, " Tom said to himself. One day, Tom went to the great palace and saw the prince! He had nice silk clothes and jewels hanging from the clothes. A soldier pushed Tom away from the gate. " How dare you treat a poor boy like that? Open the gate, and let him in! " Prince Edward cried out. Then Edward said to Tom, " You look tired and hungry. Come with me. "

Edward took Tom into his nice room" What is your name?" asked Edward. " Tom Canty, sir, " answered Tom. " Tom, tell me about the life of people outside the palace, " said Edward. Tom talked about running in the street and swimming in the river. " Oh, it sounds so wonderful! I want to take off these clothes and swim in the river like you, " said Edward. " I want to wear clothes like you, " said Tom. A few minutes later they stood in front of a mirror. They looked so alike. " Well, stay here until I come back. That's a command! " said Edward. He hid something in a hurry and ran out of the room.

Edward ran to the gate and shouted, " Open the gate! " The soldier hit Edward on the ear. " Get out of here, you pauper! " shouted the soldier. " I am the Prince of Wales! " cried out Edward. A crowd of beggars surrounded him and laughed. Edward began to run and got lost. Night fell and he was cold and alone. Suddenly, a drunken man grabbed him and said, " Where have you been?" " Oh, are you his father?" cried Edward. " His father? What do you mean? I'm your father, " he cried. " No, I am the Prince of Wales. Return me to my father, the King, " said Edward. " Ha-ha! You're mad. Let's go home! "

At the palace, Tom began to worry. The prince's cousin, Lady Grey, walked in. Tom fell on his knees and cried out, " Please don't kill me. I am not a prince, but poor Tom Canty. " She was surprised and ran away. Soon a group of servants took Tom to the King. " My child, you know me, don't you?" asked the King. " Yes, I do, " said Tom, " but I am not the prince. I was born a pauper. " The King seemed worried. He asked Tom a question in Latin. Tom answered him, because he had learned a little Latin. " Mad or not, he is my son. He has studied too much. He will get well, " said the King.