In my office in the manse is a framed needlework which says one word - Camelot. It was a gift from a dear friend many years ago who knew how much I loved that Broadway play (and eventually movie) - wonderful story, marvelous characters, tremendous music.

In short there's simply not
A more congenial spot
For happ'ly ever aftering
Than here in Camelot.(1)

The story comes from a book by T. H. White called The Once and Future King(2) and is based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Two themes are woven through it: Arthur's dream of a peaceable world where might serves right, and the ill-fated romance between his wife, Queen Guinevere and the handsome young knight, the king's strong right hand, Sir Lancelot.

The last scene of the story takes place on the eve of a…