And still I begged again, and was sold for a slave--here on my cheek under this stain, if I washed it off, ye might see the red S the branding-iron left there! A SLAVE! Do you understand that word?
An English SLAVE! -- that is he that stands before ye.

I have run from my master, and when I am found--the heavy curse of heaven fall on the law of the land that hath commanded it!--I shall hang!" {1} A ringing voice came through the murky air-- "Thou shalt NOT!--and this day the end of that law is come!" All turned, and saw the fantastic figure of the little King approaching hurriedly; as it emerged into the light and was clearly revealed, a general explosion of inquiries broke out-- "Who is it?
WHAT is it?
Who art thou, manikin ?" The boy stood unconfused in the midst of all those surprised and questioning eyes, and answered with princely dignity-- "I am Edward, King of England." A wild burst of laughter followed, partly of derision and partly of delight in the excellence of the joke.

The King was stung.

He said sharply-- "Ye mannerless vagrants, is this your recognition of the royal boon I have promised ?" He said more, with angry voice and excited gesture, but it was lost in a whirlwind of laughter and mocking exclamations.

'John Hobbs' made several attempts to make himself heard above the din, and at last succeeded--saying-- "Mates, he is my son, a dreamer, a fool, and stark mad--mind him not--he thinketh he IS the King." "I AM the King," said Edward, turning toward him, "as thou shalt know to thy cost, in good time.