I am a subscriber to THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, and read it with
great interest every week. In No. 13 of THE GREAT ROUND WORLD,
you published a picture of the iron statue of King Arthur by
Fischer. Last summer we stopped for a short time in Innsbruck,
and I saw the said statue in the Cathedral of that city.
There was one thing which puzzled me considerably and I know
that you will be willing to explain it. Why was the fleur-de-lis
placed on the shield supplied to the statue? I can't see what
possible connection Arthur could have had with France, for I
always thought that the fleur-de-lis was not borne by any
British sovereign until after the hundred years' war was begun.
Since King Arthur is supposed to have lived in the fifth or
sixth century it seems strange to me that he should have been
supplied with a shield bearing a device of a so much later
period. Since I know nothing of heraldry, I have been much
puzzled by this, and would be very grateful for an explanation.
I should like to mention three books which I enjoyed so much
when I read them that I am sure they would be appreciated by
many. They are Miss Yonge's "Dove in the Eagle's Nest," and a
"Chaplet of Pearls," and the "Caged Lion."
Wishing THE GREAT ROUND WORLD continued success,
I remain your devoted reader,
KATHERINE P.
NEW YORK CITY, May 26, 1897.