Mark had awakened his chaplain and had given him the writ to read; the
chaplain broke the seal, saluted in Tristan’s name, and then, when he
had cunningly made out the written words, told him what Tristan
offered; and Mark heard without saying a word, but his heart was glad,
for he still loved the Queen.
He summoned by name the choicest of his baronage, and when they were
all assembled they were silent and the King spoke:
“My lords, here is a writ, just sent me. I am your King, and you my
lieges. Hear what is offered me, and then counsel me, for you owe me
counsel.”