The Prince and the Pauper: Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

Tom, Lady Elizabeth, and Lady Jane Grey float down the Thames and under bridges full of revelers until they reach a spot near Guildhall. They disembark and make a short march to Guildhall for the feast. Inside, Tom stands up, takes a drink from a loving-cup, and passes it to Elizabeth. The cup is passed down the table and the feast begins. At the height of the party, dancers come out to entertain the crowd. Meanwhile, Edward is outside at the gate, trying to convince a jeering crowd that he is the real prince. Most of the crowd mocks him, but a man named Miles Hendon steps up and offers to protect Edward. When someone in the crowd grabs Edward, Hendon pulls out his sword and swats at them. The mob is about to attack when a messenger breaks it up. Hendon grabs Edward and runs.

Back inside Guildhall, the messenger announces that King Henry VIII has died. Suddenly everyone bows to Tom, crying “Long live the king!” Tom is stunned at first but he leans toward Hertford and asks a question: if Tom (as Edward) gives a command, would everyone obey, and nobody question it? Hertford assures Tom that his word is law now. Tom announces that the law will be one of mercy rather than blood from now on and orders someone to go and announce that Norfolk will not be executed. Hertford rushes off to send word while the crowd cries out that the “reign of blood” is finally over.