Read the excerpt from "Morte d'Arthur” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. But when he saw the wonder of the hilt, How curiously and strangely chased, he smote His palms together, and he cried aloud, "And if indeed I cast the brand away, Surely a precious thing, one worthy note, Should thus be lost for ever from the earth" What does the imagery in the excerpt most clearly emphasize to readers?

Bedivere notices the sword’s beautifully decorated hilt and calls it “a precious thing” that would be “lost for ever” if he throws it away. His reaction shows that he is reluctant to get rid of the sword, even though Arthur has asked him to cast it away. The imagery focuses on the sword’s beauty and value, not on Bedivere’s injury or loyalty.

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