The scene is London; the time is an autumn day, sometime between 1525 and 1550. On this particular day, two boys are born, Tom Canty and Edward Tudor. The Cantys are very poor and the baby is not wanted. The Tudors, on the other hand, are rich and powerful, and all of England celebrates the birth of this long-awaited child. There are bonfires, feasting, dancing and parades which last throughout the day and on into the night. Edward Tudor lies in his crib in his silks and satins: Tom Canty lies in rags.
