It is a child speaking," said Merlin, "not a king and not a knight, but a hurt and angry child, or you would know, my lord, that there is more to a king than a crown, and far more to a knight than a sword. You were a knight when you grappled Pellinore unarmed.""And he defeated me.""You were a knight," said Merlin. "Somewhere in the world there is defeat for everyone. Some are destroyed by defeat, and some made small and mean by victory. Greatness lives in one who triumphs equally over defeat and victory.
In this passage, Merlin is addressing a figure who seems to have lost sight of the deeper qualities of knighthood and kingship. He emphasizes that true nobility lies not in titles or weapons, but in one's character and how they handle life's challenges. Merlin highlights that every individual, even a king or a knight, can face defeat, and it is their response to such trials that defines their greatness.
Merlin argues that greatness is found in the ability to rise above both defeat and victory, suggesting that those who are truly noble maintain their integrity regardless of their circumstances. This perspective challenges conventional notions of honor and success, encouraging a deeper understanding of personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
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