King Arthur's Plight

A long time ago, King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighbouring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him, but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals.

The monarch offered him freedom as long as he could answer one question. Arthur would have till the end of the year to figure out the answer. If at that time he had no answer, he would be put to death.

The question: WHAT DO WOMEN REALLY WANT?

Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man and to the young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by the year's end.

He commanded his men to seek out the answer and they began to poll everybody in his kingdom. They spoke with everyone, but no one could give them a satisfactory answer.

King Arthur was advised to consult the old witch. Only she would know the answer. The price would be high as the witch was notorious for her exorbitant demands.

Finally, the last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no alternative but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question provided that she could marry Gawain, the most handsome Knight of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend!

Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked, hideous and only one tooth. He refused to force his friend to marry her and have to endure such a burden.

Gawain upon learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur. He told him that nothing was too big a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table.

Hence their wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus.....  
"WHAT A WOMAN REALLY WANTS IS TO BE IN CHARGE OF HER OWN LIFE."

Everyone instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared. And so it was. The neighbouring monarch granted Arthur total freedom.

What a wedding Gawain and the witch had! Arthur was torn between relief and anguish. Gawain was proper as always, gentle and courteous.

The hour approached, Gawain prepared himself for a horrific experience and entered the bedroom. But what a sight awaited him! The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him!

The astounded Gawain asked what had happened. The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she'd appeared as a witch, she would henceforth be her horrible, deformed self half the time, and the other half, she would be a beautiful maiden. Which would he want her to be during the day and which during the night?

What a cruel question! Gawain pondered his predicament.

Noble Gawain replied that he would let her choose for herself. Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time, because he'd respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life.

What is the moral of this story?

IF A WOMAN DOESN'T GET HER OWN WAY, THINGS WILL GET UGLY.