In some versions of the Arthurian tales, it is Mordred who breaks the news to King Arthur that his wife has been unfaithful, and with one of his most trusted knights, Lancelot. Mordred, who had been raised by his mother, Morgan LeFey, was taught at her knee that his birthright had been stolen. You can imagine how gleeful he might have been to discover this scandal, and how careful he was to manipulate the big reveal to his advantage.
- I hate to say I told you so, but really what’s to say?
- Your trusted man betrayed your trust, and now you’ll rue the day
- You took him in, embraced close, and called him your brother
- Your lovely wife’s abandoned you and gone to bed another.
- Forgive my tongue, these honeyed words
- Do hide the venom deep inside
- For treason, for betrayal
- I fear you’ll have to kill your bride.
- Really, now, you look so shocked; have I dark’d your day?
- I bring to you this dire news, but hate to be this way.
- For someone here must tell the truth the rest do keep inside;
- For some here knew betrayal’s cost and helped the lovers hide.
- These honeyed words flow trippingly
- And tangle not as clever tongues
- Sing treason, sing betrayal
- For I am my mother’s son.
- So now you know what you must do and bring the lovers in
- Confront them both and know the truth of not-so-hidden sin
- Betrayal, madness, and deceit; read lies within their eyes
- You know now what must be done; the lovers two must die.
- So listen to my honeyed words
- Blind your eyes to tears they weep
- Hang treason, hang betrayal
- So that your crown you will not keep.
- I’ll whisper to you honeyed words;
- Advice I give so easily
- My treason, My betrayal
- Then Father’s crown will come to me.