A deep hush pervaded the Abbey. At this impressive moment, a startling

Apparition intruded upon the scene — an apparition observed by none in the

Absorbed multitude, until it suddenly appeared, moving up the great central

Aisle. It was a boy, bareheaded, ill shod, and clothed in coarse plebeian

Garments that were falling to rags. He raised his hand with a solemnity which

Ill comported with his soiled and sorry aspect, and delivered this note of

warning:

'I forbid you to set the crown of England upon that forfeited head. I am the

king!'

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In an instant several indignant hands were laid upon the boy; but in the same

Instant Tom Canty, in his regal vestments, made a swift step forward and

cried out in a ringing voice:

'Loose him and forbear! He is the king!'

A sort of panic of astonishment swept the assemblage, and they partly rose in

Their places and stared in a bewildered way at one another and at the chief

Figures in this scene, like persons who wondered whether they were awake

And in their senses, or asleep and dreaming. The Lord Protector was as

Amazed as the rest, but quickly recovered himself and exclaimed in a voice of

authority:

'Mind not his Majesty, his malady is upon him again — seize the vagabond!'

He would have been obeyed, but the mock king stamped his foot and cried

out:

'On your peril! Touch him not, he is the king!'