31 And the King said unto him, Arthur, I know thee to be a man in whom is the spirit of wisdom and of valour, I am sorely troubled in mind respecting this affair. What shall I do?
32 Arthur answered and said, be not troubled, neither let thy spirit be cast down, for I can rule these people easily, and with a rod of iron must they be ruled: grant unto me the commission, and I will make them obedient.
33 And the King said, do as seemeth good in thine own eyes.
34 But when the people heard these things they were sorely grieved; and became exceedingly enraged.
35 And said, shall this man of war, who is an enemy to liberty, reign over us?
36 And the people from the land’s end, even unto Johnny Groat’s house, rose up, as it were with one consent; and in every village, and every city, and in every town, did they rise up and meet together in the open air to shew their hatred of Arthur, and of his oppression, and their determination to be free.
37 And the multitudes were exceeding great, that no man might number them, and they bore banners, having on them painted various devices.
38 And the cry of the people was great, and the noise of their shouting was like the sound of many waters.
39 And they cried, if Arthur is to rule us, to thy tents, O, Britons!
40 Now, the great, and the just men, and the good amongst the people, stood up, and spake with a loud voice, saying,