Chapter 2 Two Worlds Collide Tom got up from his straw mat.
He was hungry and in a daze.
He left his home without a word and started walking down the street.
Tom was lost in his thoughts.
It was quite some time later that he realized how far he had wandered.
He had never been so far from home before.
He didn't stop, though.
He continued on his way.
Tom walked through the gates of the city and into the countryside.
He walked along the city wall.
In the distance he saw a great palace.
It was Westminster, where King Henry lived.
It was also where Prince Edward lived.
Tom wondered if he would have the chance to see the real prince.
There were guards standing on either side of the palace gate.
They stood perfectly still and straight.
There were a few other people gathered nearby, hoping to catch a glimpse of royalty.
Tom watched as the gates opened. and several beautiful carriages left the palace grounds.
He was sure they were carrying elegant and splendid people.
Tom approached the gates slowly.
He was very aware of the rags he was wearing and the dirt on his face.
He knew that he stood out from the rest of the crowd, but his curiosity was too strong.
One can only imagine how his heart skipped a beat when he noticed a small group inside the grounds.
At the center of the group was a young boy wearing satins and silks with a jeweled sword at his side.
Tom knew at once that this was the prince.
At long last it was Prince Edward in the flesh.
Tom's eyes grew wide with excitement.
His desire to see the prince up close became even stronger.
He was no longer aware of the other people around him.
The guards and the other palace visitors disappeared.
Without even realizing it, Tom pressed his face against the bars of the gate.
He was so slender that he almost slipped through.
Suddenly he felt a firm hand grab his arms.
Step back, beggar, the guard yelled.
Mind your manners.
The crowd laughed and pointed at Tom.
That's right, they called.
Keep your distance, beggar.
Leave him alone.
The voice came from inside the palace grounds.
How dare you insult one of my father's subjects?
The young prince rushed toward the gates to help Tom.
He was furious.
Open the gates and let him in.
I will not stand by while anyone is treated so roughly.
The crowd stopped laughing and pointing.
They took off their hats and bowed before their prince.
Long live the Prince of Wales, they called.
The guards opened the gates so Tom could enter.
They watched as the Prince of Poverty in his rags ran past them to greet the Prince of Plenty in his expensive robes.
Edward looked at Tom.
You look tired and hungry, he said.
I'm sorry my guard was so rough with you.
Please come with me.
Several guards stepped forward as Tom started to follow Edward.
The prince waved them aside.
No one else tried to stop Tom from going with the prince.
Edward led Tom inside the palace.
He spoke to the servants in the hallway, telling them to bring lunch to his room.
Tom was speechless.
The palace was more beautiful than he had ever imagined.
The prince's room was amazing.
There was a fireplace with a roaring fire, a rug on the floor, and large, comfortable chairs.
Sunshine poured in through the clean glass windows.
Before Tom had a moment to look around the room, the servants arrived with lunch.
Tom had never seen anything like it before.
He had read about feasts in books, but it was very different to see one with his own eyes.
There was fruit and cold meat and loaves of bread.
Tom stared at the table, not knowing what he should do.
Edward noticed that Tom was uncomfortable.
Please, have a seat.
Help yourself to whatever you would like.
The prince pulled out a chair so Tom could sit down.
What is your name? the prince asked as he sat at the table.
Tom Canty.
Do you live here?
No, Tom said.
It was difficult for him to talk.
He was enjoying the food so much, but he didn't want to speak with his mouth full.
I live quite far from here in Ophel Court.
Ophel Court, the prince repeated.
I've never heard of such a place.
Is it nice?
Well, Tom thought carefully before answering.
It's very different from your home.
And do you have parents?
The prince was very curious about this strange boy.
He had never met anyone like him before.
His clothes were rags, and he wore no shoes on such a chilly winter day.
Yes, I have a mother, a father, and two older sisters.
My grandmother lives with us, too.
The prince noticed that Tom looked sad as he spoke.
Do they treat you well? the prince asked.
My mother is very kind, Tom replied.
So are my sisters Nan and Bet.
Tom paused.
He looked to the prince and decided it was best to be honest.
My father and grandmother are not so kind.
When they're angry, which happens quite often, they yell at me.
They send me to bed without supper, too.
What?
The prince stood up.
His eyes were afire.
Do you mean that they starve you?
Tom hung his head.
Yes, sir, he said very quietly.
That is awful.
I will not let this continue.
I will speak to my father and have those awful people arrested.
I think your father might have more important things to do, Tom said.
Nonsense, Edward said.
He waved his hand.
I will not let this unfairness pass.
Edward looked at the boy in rags.
You know, my father has quite a bad temper.
He has never yelled at me, but I've seen him get very angry with other people.
It's quite awful to watch.
Tom smiled.
It was nice that they had something in common.
Does your family have many servants?
Edward asked.
My goodness, no, Tom said.
He almost laughed, but he knew that would be rude.
The prince was shocked.
But how do your sisters undress themselves at night, and who helps them get dressed in the morning?
They have to do that all on their own, I'm afraid, but they only have one dress each, so there isn't too much trouble.
"'You can't be telling me the truth!'
Edward looked shocked again.
"'Well, they each only have one body,' Tom replied.
"'I will take care of it.
Your sisters shall soon have more dresses than they've ever dreamed of.
I will see to it immediately.'
Edward noticed Tom's look of surprise. worry.
There's no need to thank me.
He waved his hand again.
I must say, Tom, Edward added, you speak very well.
Have you been to school?
No, Tom said, but one of my neighbors is a priest.
He taught me to read and write.
He even taught me some Latin.
I don't know many words, I'm afraid, but I'm still learning it.
You should stick with it, Edward said.
It will become easier with practice.
Edward sat quietly for a moment.
Sometimes it feels like I've spent my entire life in school.
Long hours with tutors every day or learning about state business.
They're preparing me to be the king one day.
There's very little time for anything else.
He looked at Tom.
What do you do when you aren't in school?
Well, Tom said, my father forces me to beg in the streets for money.
He gets very angry if I don't bring home enough, so I worry about that a lot.
Tom smiled at the prince.
I do have wonderful friends, though.
There's always something to do.
We watch puppet shows in the square.
There are plays.
Sometimes a musician with a pet monkey will entertain people in the street.
We have races and play fights.
In the summer we go swimming in the river.
Tom smiled again.
I think that's my favorite thing.
Splashing about in the water makes me very happy.
It was now the prince's turn to look sad.
Oh, how I wish I could have a day like that.
One day to play in the water and have races.
One day when I didn't have to worry about lessons or royal duties.
Edward looked at Tom in his rags.
If only I could wear your clothes and enjoy your life for one day, nothing would make me happier.
Tom stared in amazement.
Sir.
If I could wear your robes and clothes but once, I would never ask for another thing.
Then let's do it.
The prince stood up.
Let's change our clothes.
Perhaps it will only be for a few moments, but that should be long enough.
A few minutes later, Tom was standing in the royal chambers wearing the prince's clothes.
Edward stood in front of him, wearing the dirty rags of a pauper.
The two boys walked to a mirror to look at themselves.
They stood side by side and stared into the glass.
Both boys were shocked and amazed by what they saw.
Look at us, Edward said slowly.
I didn't notice before how similar we looked.
We're the same height, and we have the same color hair and eyes.
Why, we could be twins.
I see it too, Your Majesty, Tom said.
I don't think anyone could tell us apart.
The two boys continued to stare at each other.
Wait a moment, Edward said.
Is that a bruise on your arm?
Is that from the palace guard grabbing you?
Yes, I'm afraid so, Tom replied.
You shouldn't worry, though.
The guard was only doing nonsense.
The prince waved his hand.
I will take care of this right away.
Please wait for me here.
I will only be a moment, I promise.
Edward grabbed some important things that were on his desk and quickly locked them away.
Then he ran out the door and onto the palace grounds.
Unfortunately, Edward forgot.
He was still wearing Tom's rags.
He ran straight to the gates and shouted, Unlock these gates!
I must speak with you!
The guard, who had been so rough with Tom earlier in the day, opened the gates.
Then, just as Edward was about to speak, the guard pushed the boy onto the road.
"'Get away, beggar!'
The crowd laughed and pointed again.
"'Hold on!'
Edward shouted.
"'How dare you treat me this way?
I am the Prince of England!'
Everyone laughed even harder.
They all bowed before Edward.
Oh, excuse us, your majesty.
Someone pushed Edward, and he fell down.
How dare you touch me?
Edward was angry and confused.
Why were they all laughing at him?
He had never been treated this way before.
Come on, then, the guard said.
Make way for the Prince of England.
The crowd parted and the guard pushed Edward farther down the road.
Keep moving, beggar.
Don't let me see you near the palace again.
Poor Edward continued to protest, but no one believed him.
Instead, the people kept laughing and shoving him.
After a short while, the crowd grew tired of the game.
They no longer found it funny that this beggar child claimed to be the prince.
Some turned away and left for home.
Others yelled at Edward and shoved him roughly.
Eventually, Edward realized that there was little point in arguing.
He was trapped outside of his home with no hope of getting in.
He walked along the road, not knowing where he was going, in the hopes that he might find some help.
