The boys stopped their play and flocked about the prince, who said with native dignity —

“Good lads, say to your master that Edward Prince of Wales desireth speech with him.”

A great shout went up at this, and one rude fellow said —

“Marry, art thou his grace’s messenger, beggar?”

The prince’s face flushed with anger, and his ready hand flew to his hip, but there was nothing there.

There was a storm of laughter, and one boy said —

“Didst mark that? He fancied he had a sword — belike he is the prince himself.”

This sally brought more laughter. Poor Edward drew himself up proudly and said —