The Banquet
On the following day Arthur saw Richard in the midst of his brilliant
and warlike retinue. The Duchess sat at the table next to the King, with
Arthur by her side. Famous men, knights, statesmen, and ecclesiastics
had seats below the Duke, who was quite elated because his rank placed
him next the King. Their greetings reminded him that he must prove
himself worthy of them by his own merit and heroic deeds, and a new
world was revealed to him as he listened to the words of these men of
wide experience, though he but half understood them. Many a one noticed
the enthusiasm of the boy, and his high-bred mien, and was charmed by
him. When King Richard raised his glass to drink the health of his
sister-in-law, the Duchess Constance, the guests joyously responded, and
added, “Long live Duke Arthur of Brittany!”
Greatly excited, Arthur rose to thank them, and, turning to Richard,
exclaimed, “I will prove myself, my royal uncle, worthy of the honor
paid me by these brave men.”
His admirers gathered about him enthusiastically, spoke of his great and
brilliant future, and praised him as a true scion of the Plantagenets.
“Did you hear, Alan?” he said to his devoted friend, when at last they
were alone in their room; “I am destined to achieve fame and greatness.
I shall no longer be content to lead a quiet, unknown life.”
All who came to know the Prince held him in the highest esteem, and were
surprised that so noble a youth had developed in comparative obscurity.
Many thought that King Richard might be childless, and that he was going
to a distant war which would be full of danger. In that case the next
heir to the English throne was Arthur.
Hardly a word passed about Constance’s affairs and Höel’s solicitude.
Richard referred her to King Philip as soon as he should arrive; and
when Constance, greatly embarrassed, asked, “Are you angry because we
accepted his protection in a time of need?” Richard replied, “I do not
blame you; you had to have him for a friend, for England left you in the
lurch. My mother—” Here the King broke off abruptly, and then closed by
saying, “I think everything will be arranged by Philip. Arthur, of
course, will keep Geoffrey’s possessions, not only because of respect
for the dead, but also for our love of his son.”
After a week, which to Arthur passed like a pleasant hour, King Philip
arrived in Rouen. His principal counsellors and several high
ecclesiastics were in his retinue, but not so many soldiers as in that
of Richard.
Arthur was present at the first meeting of the two sovereigns, and
Philip’s searching glance discovered him even before Richard introduced
them. At the words, “My cousin and ward,” Philip stooped and kissed his
forehead. When Arthur, greatly moved by his cordiality of manner,
greeted him as the protector of his childhood, Philip’s serious face was
illuminated with a gracious smile, revealing the favorable impression
the Duke had made upon him. He had always sought the control of the Duke
of Brittany to hold England in check, but now he so unexpectedly found
Arthur such an engaging personality that he determined not to lose sight
of him. He called upon Constance and renewed his assurances of
friendship. When she expressed some anxiety lest, in the absence of the
two kings, she might be troubled by Eleanor, who was to remain in
England as regent, Philip invited her to go to his court. “You and your
son,” he said, “shall be under my feudal protection; and should you have
any fear for your personal safety, you can be sure of an honorable
reception in Paris.”
Constance expressed her thanks in Richard’s presence, hoping he would
make a still closer claim to Arthur; but the Crusade monopolized all his
thoughts. He had already recognized Brittany as the hereditary fief
which would belong to Arthur when he came of age, and with this
assurance Constance had to be content.
The departure of King Richard well-nigh broke Arthur’s heart, and
Richard embraced him with deep emotion. Philip admonished them again to
go to Paris whenever it seemed best.
“That will yet happen,” said Höel to Alan on their way back. “Philip
well knows that fate will force Arthur into his arms. Had Richard
thought more of the future, we should not have been going home thus.”