Guardian:  (Relenting.) Maybe now the fright would be enough to keep them from crimes from this out.  They are but young.

Jester:  (To Princes.) Don’t be keeping me waiting!  Put out now your hands. (They shake their heads.)

Servant:  They cannot do that, being bound.

Jester:  If you will not stretch out your hands when I ask you, I will strike off your heads without asking! (Flourishes sword.)

Guardian:  (Standing up.) I did not empower you to go so far as that!  It is without my authority!

Jester:  You have given over the power of the law to the power of the sword.  It must take its way!

Guardian:  I will not give in to that!  I have all authority here!

Jester:  If you grow wicked with the Judge’s wig on your head, so do I with this sword in my hand!  You called me in to do a certain business and I am going to do it!  I am not 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.)