
THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER
by Mark Twain Part Seven
ILLUSTRATIONS
A whispered legend, handed down through generations, tells of a wayward monarch who finds himself among tramps and outlaws. Stripped of courtly comforts, he endures petty cruelties and relentless teasing, yet his royal spirit remains unbroken. The narrative paints a vivid picture of his uneasy existence on the fringes of society.
Tension spikes when the boisterous Hugo, a rough‑handed bully, provokes the king into a fierce duel. Despite being outnumbered, the young sovereign displays surprising skill, turning the crowd’s jeers into cheers as he bests his aggressor. Yet even in victory, he plots escape, haunted by nightly dreams of his throne that make the harsh daylight all the more unbearable.
The storytelling blends humor with pathos, inviting listeners to feel both the absurdity of a king reduced to a beggar and the dignity he clings to. As the episode unfolds, the clash of worlds offers a compelling glimpse into identity, resilience, and the longing for home.
Language
en
Duration
~45 minutes (43K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
Jul 4, 2004
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1835–1910
A master of wit, adventure, and social criticism, Mark Twain transformed American storytelling with unforgettable characters and a sharp, unmistakable voice. His journeys from the Mississippi River to the literary world shaped classics that still captivate listeners today.
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by Mark Twain