Thou art better now; thy ill dream passeth--is't not so?
Thou wilt not miscall thyself again, as they say thou didst a little while agone ?" "I pray thee of thy grace believe me, I did but speak the truth, most dread lord; for I am the meanest among thy subjects, being a pauper born, and 'tis by a sore mischance and accident I am here, albeit I was therein nothing blameful.

I am but young to die, and thou canst save me with one little word.

Oh speak it, sir!" "Die?
Talk not so, sweet prince--peace, peace, to thy troubled heart -- thou shalt not die!" Tom dropped upon his knees with a glad cry-- "God requite thy mercy, O my King, and save thee long to bless thy land!" Then springing up, he turned a joyful face toward the two lords in waiting, and exclaimed, "Thou heard'st it! I am not to die: the King hath said it!" There was no movement, save that all bowed with grave respect; but no one spoke.

He hesitated, a little confused, then turned timidly toward the King, saying, "I may go now ?" "Go?
Surely, if thou desirest.

But why not tarry yet a little?
Whither would'st go ?" Tom dropped his eyes, and answered humbly-- "Peradventure I mistook; but I did think me free, and so was I moved to seek again the kennel where I was born and bred to misery, yet which harboureth my mother and my sisters, and so is home to me; whereas these pomps and splendours whereunto I am not used--oh, please you, sir, to let me go!" The King was silent and thoughtful a while, and his face betrayed a growing distress and uneasiness.