Miles Hendon
A ragged soldier back from years in a foreign prison, who protects Edward while believing he is only a mad boy.
He wants to get home to Hendon Hall and to Lady Edith, and to keep the strange boy safe.
The book
The Prince and the Pauper
Mark Twain
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeMiles is loyal, funny and tough. He humours Edward's claim to be king because he thinks the boy is ill, and calls himself a knight of the Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows. His own story, of a brother who stole his home, runs alongside Edward's.
How Miles Hendon Is Portrayed
- One sword against a mobIn Chapter XI he pulls out his long sword and holds off a crowd that wants to throw Edward in the horse-pond.
- Seven years in a dungeonIn Chapter XII he explains that his brother Hugh had him banished, and that he spent seven years as a prisoner abroad after his last battle.
- The right to sit downIn Chapter XII, tired of standing while the boy eats, he asks as his reward to sit in the king's presence. Edward grants it with a knighthood.
- Disowned at Hendon HallIn Chapters XXV and XXVI his brother Hugh and Lady Edith both say they do not know him. Edith tells him quietly to leave before Hugh destroys him.
- Taking the whippingIn Chapter XXVIII he takes the lashes meant for Edward in front of the crowd at the stocks, without a sound. Edward makes him an earl with the whip.
- Sitting before the throneIn Chapter XXXIII he is brought before the new king, recognises the boy, and sits down in front of the whole court.
Miles Hendon quotes
And so I am become a knight of the Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows!
Edward makes Miles Earl of Kent and confirms his right to sit before the king. Hugh flees abroad and dies, and Miles marries Lady Edith.
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