How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph.)
Quote #7
"Pulling swords out of stones is not a legal proof of paternity, I admit, but the kings of the Old Ones are not fighting you about that. They have rebelled, although you are their feudal sovereign, simply because the throne is insecure. England's difficulty, we used to say, is Ireland's opportunity. This is their chance to pay off racial scores, and to have some blood-letting as sport, and to make a bit of money in ransoms." (Q.2.72)
Where's Maury Povich when you need him to certify a paternity test? (King Uther Pendragon, you are the father.) On a more serious note, the Gaelic Federation is using pretty much any excuse it can to justify its rebellion against Arthur. They are insecure because of the old racial feud that exists between the Northern and Southern peoples.
Quote #8
The armies were packs of hounds, as it were, whose struggle with each other was to be commanded by Masters of Hounds, who took the matter as an exciting gamble. If the hounds had turned mutinous, for instance, Lot and his allies would have been ready to ride with Arthur's knight, in quelling what they would have considered a real rebellion. (Q.12.4)
Check out this fitting extended metaphor on the makeup of the two armies. The knights on each side have more in common with each other than they do with the serfs on their sides. They're like the Masters of Hounds, who will quickly and violently put their hounds in their places if they step out of line and disobey. So the poor serfs are the real losers here, and are totally dispensable… at least to Lot's knights.
Quote #9
To these young people, a sight of Arthur as he hunted in the greenwood was like seeing the idea of Royalty. They saw no man at all but England. (K.25.2)
By this point, Arthur is power personified to his people. He has ceased to be an individual guy named Arthur, and is just the embodiment of England walking around. No pressure, right?