5. Language Use. Task 1. Prince of Wales

 

 

King of England Edward I had conquered Wales in the second half of the 13th century. The two great Welsh leaders had been killed so the Welsh people had no great leader, but there were several chieftains* - most of whom were jealous of one the otherothersotheranother. The people wanted to be ruled not by an English King, but by a Prince of Wales, born in Wales, of royal blood, and not speaking English or French. They wanted a prince whose life was good, and who had not done anything bad to any man - though they could not agree whichthatwhowhat this prince should be. The people were certainly asking a lot ofmanylotsa lot, but Edward, after a little thought, told theirthemusthey to ask all the chiefs and their followers to come to Caernarvon Castle  in a week's time where he would give them what they had asked - a Prince of Wales who fulfilled all their wishes.

 

The next week the great square outside the castle will bewereiswas crowded with excited people. Edward stepped from a window onto the balcony in front of the castle. Behind him was a knight carefully carrying Edward's shield atinwithon his hands. On the shield was a bundle covered with a blanket. The wholeallhallhole crowd was excited but silent, waiting for Edward to asktellpromisespeak.

 

Edward: "Leaders and people of Wales, you have asked for a prince and I have promised you one to rule over you, of royal birth. There is you'reouryoursyour prince. (He turns to the knight behind, lifts the blanket, and shows a small baby.) My son, a prince of royal blood, born a week ago, in Wales, in Caernarvon Castle; he speaks no word of English, and has wronged no man alive. Edward, Prince of Wales!"

 

The chiefs were angry and disappointed, but the Welsh people were pleased. And from that day athean- eldest son of the King and Queen of England has always been the Prince of Wales.