by Mark Twain, 1882
Fabulous book! Set in 1500’s in England. Two little boys; one the prince, the other a pauper (Tom Canty) change places. The real prince learns what it feels like to be poor and downcast and to see his laws in action (such unfairness!). The pauper becomes rich and catered to. In the end, the real prince is accepted back to the throne and rules with compassion. Miles Hendon is an adult which befriends the true prince when he is on the streets. He protects him, takes his lashes for him, and saves him from the rabble. He calls him his little lunatic. He doesn’t believe he is really a prince. The interplay is so precious! Absolutely loved this book!
Last lines: “‘What dost thou know of suffering and oppression? I and my people know, but not thou.'”
‘”The reign of Edward VI was a singularly merciful one. Now that we are taking leave of him let us try to keep this in our minds, to his credit.”‘