"You make an excellent point. Really, it's upon him to correct you, or accept the title as given. If he's too prideful to do so, continual greetings of 'asshole' are the well-earned wages of pride." But Claudius did deliberately seek out Laertes's perspective for help reinterpreting the man's actions. Drolly, he wonders whether this is how Sagramore would train a soft dog that bristles at men who remind it of its former master -- by gradually introducing it, letting it perceive differences -- or whether he'd have something better. "He may be too shy to do so. That's what Laertes insists, at least -- that Lancelot isn't a proud man, but a shy one, uncertain of his place among men. Rather like Galahad himself." Which is irritating, given Claudius's soft spot for Galahad and shy men. He takes a long, considering drink of Jarritos, which might be improved through vodka.

"Sagramore," he continues, "described Lancelot as an arrogant and charmless man -- presumptuous and careless -- prone to wearing other men's devices in combat to improve their reputation. Cop energy, in its quintessence. Lancelot was also the best friend of the king, entangled with the king's wife, which no doubt protected him from some consequences while making him warier of others. If it were some landless, lonely stranger that Lancelot mistook for a portent, perhaps there'd be no consequences for him. But if he were a visitor in another kingdom, and struck a man of good standing there, one with a devoted lover, a loyal friend? Feuds have been started for less. I can imagine Lancelot going through life the shy, oblivious favorite of the king, unaware of who he might be insulting when wearing other knights' devices. I can imagine he made his share of enemies, started his share of feuds, and had no notion why. It nearly makes me feel sorry for him."