Tell thou the King and all his liars, that I Have founded…
““Tell thou the King and all his liars, that I Have founded my Round Table in the North, And whatsoever his own knights have sworn My knights have sworn the counter to it -- and say My tower is full of harlots, like his court, But mine are worthier, seeing thy profess To be none other than themselves -- and say My knights are all adulterers like his own, But mine are truer, seeing they profess To be none other; and say his hour is come, The heathen are upon him, his long lance Broken, and his Excalibur a straw.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker mocks a rival king’s court, claiming his own knights are more honest despite similar flaws, and predicts the rival’s downfall.
In simple terms: Mocking a rival’s hypocrisy while claiming moral superiority.
Key Takeaway
Question humility and beware of false pride.
Themes
hypocrisy
pride
politics
honor
downfall
Mood
cynical
reflective
critical
Type
satirical
political
literary
When to use this quote
- court intrigue
- political rivalry
- leadership challenges
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
satire
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever judge others while overlooking your own flaws?
- What does true honor look like?
A Different Perspective
The claim of superiority may be self‑deceptive and ignore real faults.