A groundling's eye view

[gurdymonkey]

“Thus, always saving both her own honor and her
 lord’s, the good lady will not rest until she has
spoken, or has had someone else speak to those who
have committed the misdeed in question, alternately
 soothing and reproving them.”  - Christine de Pisan

 

"You rule because they believe." Legend has it those words are engraved inside the crowns of the Kingdom of Caid.

It's true, you know. Sure, a fighter can win a tourney for an inspirational consort, but then they have to get through the reign that comes after it.

Yesterday, the man who is supposed to be my King said something I have a serious problem with. I thought long and hard about what to do before putting fingers to keyboard.

Today I have read the sideline commentaries of those trying to second-guess his intent and I thank you all for your input. I have gone back and read over my letter to Their Majesties several times. I remain convinced that my concerns needed to be expressed. I remain satisfied that that I did so clearly and courteously. I now await Their Majesties pleasure.

The strength and stability of a kingdom lie in its people. ALL its people. Some of us don't have high rank or schmoozing-with-the-right-crowd access. Some of us don't have anyone to champion us but ourselves - or our monarchs. So if I have to remind my king to be my king, I'm just following the example of Christine de Pisan.

Comments

[aeddie.livejournal.com]

To be precise:
In the King's crown: "You Rule Because They Believe"
In the Queen's crown: For Love, Honor and Beauty"

Pictures for verification:
http://regalia.sca-caid.org/new.html

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[aeddie.livejournal.com]

Yer welcome.

[elmunadi.livejournal.com]

That particular inscription and tradition started with the crowns made by Ambrose Celidonis in AS XII-ish, and the current crowns made by John of Holdingford (who ended up wearing the old ones for two reigns) likewise have it. The inscriptions came as a surprise to the royalty who received them, but, y'know... they made an impression on Caidan kings for quite some time. still do, for most... I witnessed an incident with one rather pigheaded monarch wherein one of his pelaurels, after the king had done something particularly egregious and was about to hack Kingdom law to ratify it, walked up to him and said "Your Majesty, read the inside of your hat, please.", and then proceeded to peel strips off. Egregious incident shortly repaired as best possible by said monarch. No law hacking.

On the other hand, at least one of our kings obviously couldn't read. sigh.

[silk-noir.livejournal.com]

Huh.

So the Queen doesn't have to abide by the same ideal?

[takadai-no-tora.livejournal.com]

The Queen's crown has the word "Honor" in it as well as "Love" and "Beauty." We had a Queen a while ago who, when the King was going to ignore the recommendation of the chivalry and knight someone, refused to participate. Since she's required, that effectively stopped it happening, which was a Very Good Thing in this case.