His malady, which at times completely incapacitated him from tasking part in the government, was always liable to recur, and it was with a view of recuperating his health, and calming his anxieties and fears for himself and those he loved best, that the queen had decided upon this progress through the loyal midland counties, and encouraged the people to display their skill in manly sports before their king; for nothing seemed more beneficial to him than the interest evoked by any spectacles of this kind.
And little Paul Stukely was an eager spectator of the encounters and feats that were taking place before royalty that bright summer day.

Paul felt as if he were living and moving in a wonderful dream.

He kept pulling off his little velvet cap to make sure that the silver swan--the prince's token--was still in its place; and even when most interested in any contest going on upon the green, his eyes would turn instinctively toward the fair child leaning upon his father's knee, and eagerly watching the rustic revels.
The royal guests were sumptuously lodged beneath a silken awning under a mighty oak tree that gave a refreshing shade.

A platform had been erected for them beneath the awning, and chairs of state set thereon.

From this vantage ground they could watch everything that went on, and reward the victors with words of praise, small pieces of silver, or some fragment of lace or ribbon from the royal apparel, as best suited the rank of the aspirant for honour; and the kindly smiles and gracious words bestowed upon all who approached increased each hour the popularity of the Lancastrian cause and the devotion of the people to their king.
But Paul had not, so far, ventured to present himself before the platform where the little prince was standing.