In the Wars of the Roses | Page 6

beneath a silken awning
under a mighty oak tree that gave a refreshing shade. A platform had
been erected for them beneath the awning, and chairs of state set
thereon. From this vantage ground they could watch everything that
went on, and reward the victors with words of praise, small pieces of
silver, or some fragment of lace or ribbon from the royal apparel, as
best suited the rank of the aspirant for honour; and the kindly smiles
and gracious words bestowed upon all who approached increased each
hour the popularity of the Lancastrian cause and the devotion of the
people to their king.
But Paul had not, so far, ventured to present himself before the
platform where the little prince was standing. He had not forgotten a
single one of the kind words spoken by the youthful Edward yesterday,
but he was fearful of presuming upon the favour thus shown him, and
his very admiration for the princely child seemed to hold him back.
He knew that his father and brothers might rebuke him for forwardness
if he presumed to thrust himself into notice. Sir James was one of those
appointed to keep order upon the ground, and withhold the rustics from
incommoding in any way the royal visitors; and the child knew that he
would be the first to rebuke his own son for putting himself unduly
forward. As the youngest in the house, Paul was accustomed to be held
in small repute, and had no desire to provoke a rebuff which might
even reach the ears of the little prince himself.
So he contented himself by hanging about on the outskirts of the crowd,
casting many longing, lingering glances toward the group beneath the
giant oak, and at other times diverting himself by watching the
wrestlers, the mummers, or the archers, who in turn came forward to try
their skill and strength. The quarterstaff contests were very exciting,
and several broken heads were the result of the hearty encounters with

that formidable weapon.
But Paul was familiar with most of the sports, and presently grew
weary of watching. It was hot, too, and there was not much shade to be
had in that big meadow; so he wandered a little apart, toward a copse
beside a small stream, on the opposite side of which a thick forest rose
stately and grand, and sitting down beside the merry brook, he clasped
his hands round his knees and sank into a reverie.
He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he did not notice the light
tread of approaching footsteps, and gave a great start when he suddenly
felt an arm flung caressingly about his neck. He sprang to his feet with
a cry of astonishment, and stood face to face with the little prince.
"You see I have found you," cried the child gleefully. "I saw you
several times in the crowd today, but you would not come near me.
Never mind; this is much better, for here we can talk, here we can be
friends. Are you aweary of their gay shows? So am I, in faith. We have
seen the same thing everywhere, and it is so good to be alone
sometimes. I love not to be always followed and watched.
"See you that dim, dark wood? Let us e'en hide ourselves therein for a
short hour. My mother will miss me from her side anon, and will send
to seek me. I would not be found too easily. Come, let us hide
ourselves there, and you shall tell me all about yourself, and we will
play at being trusty friends and comrades.
"It is dull work being always a prince. I would that we could change
parts for once. You shall be the prince and I will be the bold knight's
son, and your very faithful servant."
"O my lord!" faltered Paul, almost overcome with excitement and
pleasure at this strange encounter.
But the little prince stamped his foot and spoke with the air of a regular
little autocrat.
"Nay, call me not that. Did I not say I would be nobody's lord for the
nonce? What is your name? Paul? Then I will be called Paul for this
next hour, and you shall be Edward. See, here is my jewelled collar and
the cap with the ostrich plume--the badge of the Prince of Wales. Yes,
put them on, put them on. Marry, I could think it was my very self, but
a short inch the taller.
"Now, see, I take your cap instead; and now I am Paul, and you must
bid me follow you and attend you in your journey through the forest.

See, we will be fugitives, flying from the wicked Duke of York, who
would fain grasp at the king's power, but my