Stewards, who are the king’s helpers, are sometimes left in commission in the king’s seat when the king is gone, or before a new king has been assigned. Stewards often take advantage of the power and use it positively or negatively. In the poem Sir Orfeo, the steward displays a great example of a good steward who is very worthy and does not misuse the power he has. The steward in Sir Orfeo reinforces the poem’s message of the importance of loyalty through his care towards the king and obeying his orders.
After the occurrence of the queen’s disappearance, the king’s depression and the king wanting to go and live far away from the kingdom since he was in great despair over his loss. Sir Orfeo put the steward in charge and said “ Ich ordain min…show more content… The steward had full responsibility of everything. He was placed in the kings position and told that if he ever heard of the kings death he shall choose a new king with the help of the parliament and for now to do the best with the kings affairs (215-218). The steward was trusted with all the responsibilities of the king. The steward did follow and respect these orders by not betraying the king in any way and being respectful towards the king. He did not take advantage being in power and fulfilled all his responsibilities. The steward was one of the people who did not want the king to leave and was very concerned with what might happen to him when he goes. His loyalty was shown the most when the steward was put to a test by the king in order to determine and see whether he was still loyal, trustworthy, caring, still respected him and did obey all the orders. When the steward saw the beggar, not knowing it was Sir Orfeo in disguise, he told him right away “ Com with me, come; Of that ichave, thou schalt have some. Everich gode harpour is welcom me to For mi lordes love, Sir Orfeo” (515-518). The steward immediately invites this stranger into to palace and gives him a chance to play his…show more content… The steward was so concerned with where Sir Orfeo might be or if anything might have happened to him. He still cared about Sir Orfeo so much and displayed that by being overwhelmed and in terrible shock after learning that king Sir Orfeo was dead. He gave a loud cry and was extremely heartbroken. He mentioned how Sir Orfeo was his lord, and displayed how important Sir Orfeo was in his life and how much he meant to him before fainting and falling to the ground. The steward being affected by the alarming news and acting in the way he did, demonstrated his care, concern and respect towards the king. He did not forget about Sir Orfeo and still considered him his lord. When the steward was aware that the beggar was in fact Sir Orfeo he threw tables and fell down at Sir Orfeos feet and said “ ye beth our lord, sir, and our king!”(582). The steward was overwhelmed with joy and excitement when he acknowledged the kings return. This proved to Sir Orfeo that the steward was still loyal and rewarded him by giving him kingship after the king’s death, which resulted in the steward’s rise in status. The steward did not forget who his lord was. He still cared about Sir Orfeo and loved him dearly; he did not betray him in any way. He showed his loyalty and