Laertes catches him close and holds him, tucking his chin over Galahad's shoulder as though he means to stay. He strokes slow circles on Galahad's back with one hand, the other keeping him in the embrace. "If thou wouldst keep compact with God, I will not say thee nay," says Laertes. "But for my part, I would rather have loved my fellow mortals well, and face eternal damnation, than hold myself apart from them for the promise of eternal life."