And the beggars came to town singly and by twos and threes, until
hundreds were there to await the morrow. Some few were very pitiful to
behold, being feeble and infirm from age and disease, dressed in rags
and tags, and presenting an appearance of great distress. But there
were many more who were seemingly hearty and vigorous; and these were
the lazy ones, who, not being willing to work, begged for a
livelihood.
And some there were dressed in silken hose and velvet gowns, who,
forgetting all shame, and, eager for gold, had been led by the
Prince's offer to represent themselves as beggars, that they might add
to their wealth without trouble or cost to themselves.
The next morning, when the sun arose upon the eventful day, it found
the Prince sitting upon the throne of his father, dressed in a robe of
ermine and purple, a crown upon his flowing locks and the King's
scepter clasped tightly in his little hand. He was somewhat frightened
at the clamor of the crowd without the palace, but Borland, who stood
behind him, whispered,
"The more you can succor the greater will be your glory, and you will
live in the hearts of your people as the kind Prince who relieved
their sufferings. Be of good cheer, Your Majesty, for all is well."
Then did the Prince command the Treasurer to bring before him the
royal coffers, and to stand ready to present to each beggar a piece of
gold.
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