Aye, sir! [To Arthur.] In the name of our goodly fellowship let dress forthwith to the adventure!
The Little Page.
[Casting himself at Arthur’s feet.] Oh, Sir, for the love of Heaven I pray you give me the order of knighthood that I too may joust upon this quest!
Arthur.
A beardless boy, thou art full young and tender of age, methinketh, for to take so high an order upon thee!
The Little Page.
Sir, I beseech you! For leaver would I be cut into an hundred pieces than that my Queen should be devoured by an horrible giant!
Arthur.
Gramercy, it were pity to deny thee, for thou wilt be a passing good man and fearless knight when thou comest to age! [He draws his sword, and touches the lad’s shoulders with the flat of it, saying] In the name of high errantry, receive now the knighthood accolade! [Then he raises the new Knight to his feet, and kisses him on both cheeks, saying] Rise up, Sir Griflet! See to it that ye wear your new honours ever as beseems a chivalrous knight and honest gentleman! And God’s blessing be on ye! [Sir Griflet bows low, and returns to his place with becoming dignity, drawing himself up with great hauteur as he passes his fellow Page who before had mocked at him. Arthur now looks about the group.] Gramercy, there never was no king that had so noble knights and valiant as have I? But this is no matter for deeds of arms! For did I not carry my sword Excalibur, the which is the sharpest and marvelest that was ever in any knight’s hand! It is only by miracle that we can be delivered from the subtle crafts of enchantment, and discover the true rede to the outrageous monster’s quest: What is it that all women most desire?
[A great sigh goes up as all realise the truth of this.]