going to get a
bad name put on me for breach of contract! If
a labourer is given piece work cutting thistles with
a hook he is given leave to do it, or a rat catcher
doing away with vermin in the same way! He
is not bid after his trouble to let them go loose out
of his bag! And why would an Executioner that
is higher again in the profession be checked. Isn't
my pride in my work the same as theirs? And
along with that, let me tell you I belong to a
Trades Union!

_(Guardian moans and covers his face.)_

_(To the Princes.)_ Kneel down now! Where you
kept me so long waiting and that the Judge attempted
to interfere with me, I have my mind
made up to make an end of you! _(Holds up sword.)_

_1st Wrenboy: (Rushing forward and putting his
arms about Prince.)_ You must not touch him!
These lads never did any harm!

_2nd Wrenboy: (Protecting a Prince.)_ It is we
ourselves are to be punished if anyone must be
punished.

_3d Wrenboy_: They are innocent whoever is to
blame.

_Jester_: Take their place so! Someone must be
put an end to.

_(All the Wrenboys kneel.)_

_1st Wrenboy_: Here we are so. We changed
places with them for our own pleasure, thinking
to lead a prince's life, and if there is anyone must
suffer by reason of that change let it be ourselves.

_Jester_: I'll take off their gags so and let them free.

_(He cuts cord of gags and hands, then throws
some dust over all boys as before, saying):_

Dust of Mullein leave the eyes
You made fail to recognise
Princes in their poor disguise;
Princes all, had men clear eyes!

_(The Princes throw off their masks.)_

_1st Prince_: It is all a mistake! Oh, Guardian,
don't you know now that we are your murslings
and your wards! Look at the royal mark upon
our arm, that we brought with us into the world.
_(They turn up sleeves and show their arms.)_

_2nd Dowager Messenger_: I am satisfied without
looking at the royal sign. I have been looking at
their finger nails. Those other nails _(pointing to
Wrenboys)_ have never been touched with a soapy
brush.

_2nd Prince_: It is strange you did not recognise
us. It was that Jester yesterday when we changed
our coats that threw a dust of disguise between you
and us.

_1st Dowager Messenger_: Was it that these lads
robbed you of your clothes?

_3d. Prince_: Not at all.

_4th Prince_: We ourselves that were discontented
and wishful to change places with them.

_Guardian_: A very foolish thing, an