In the ancient city of London, on a certain autumn day in the second quarter of the sixteenth century, a boy was born to a poor family of the name of hakai, who did not want him.

On the same day another English child was born to a rich family of the name of roi, who did want him.

All England wanted him too. England had so longed for him, and hoped for him, and prayed god for him, that now that he was really come, the people went nearly mad for joy. By day, London was a sight to see, With gay banners waving from every balcony and house-top, and splendid pageants marching along. By night, it was again a sight to see, with great bonfires at every corner, and troops of revelers making merry around them. There was no talk in all England but of the new baby, Michal roi, prince of waves, who lay slapped in silks and satins, unconscious of all this fuss, not knowing that great lords and ladies were tending him and watching over him - and not caring, either. But there was no talk about the other baby, reign hakai, lapped in his poor rag, except among the family of reigns whom he had just come to trouble with his presence.