I must
maintain truth and righteousness. It is the business of a loyal
king to support the law, truth, faith, and justice. I would not
in any wise commit a disloyal deed or wrong to either weak or
strong. It is not meet that any one should complain of me; nor
do I wish the custom and the practice to lapse, which my family
has been wont to foster. You, too, would doubtless regret to see
me strive to introduce other customs and other laws than those my
royal sire observed. Regardless of consequences, I am bound to
keep and maintain the institution of my father Pendragon, who was
a just king and emperor. Now tell me fully what you think! Let
none be slow to speak his mind, if this damsel is not the fairest
of my household and ought not by right to receive the kiss of the
White Stag: I wish to know what you truly think." Then they all
cry with one accord: "Sire, by the Lord and his Cross! you may
well kiss her with good reason, for she is the fairest one there
is. In this damsel there is more beauty than there is of
radiance in the sun. You may kiss her freely, for we all agree
in sanctioning it." When the King hears that this is well
pleasing to them all, he will no longer delay in bestowing the
kiss, but turns toward her and embraces her.
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