第 三十 章 · How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the

. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the

sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.

Then fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur,

that had been prisoner with him half a year and more for slaying of a

knight, the which was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight

was called Balin, and by good means of the barons he was delivered out

of prison, for he was a good man named of his body, and he was born in

Northumberland. And so he went privily into the court, and saw this

adventure, whereof it raised his heart, and he would assay it as other

knights did, but for he was poor and poorly arrayed he put him not far

in press. But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well, if his

grace happed him, as any knight that there was. And as the damosel took

her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing, this knight

Balin called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you of your courtesy,

suffer me as well to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly

clothed, in my heart meseemeth I am fully assured as some of these

others, and meseemeth in my heart to speed right well. The damosel

beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a likely man, but for his poor

arrayment she thought he should be of no worship without villainy or

treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, it needeth not to

put me to more pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed there as

other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good

tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and

worship is hid within man’s person, and many a worshipful knight is not

known unto all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in

arrayment. By God, said the damosel, ye say sooth; therefore ye shall

assay to do what ye may. Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and

sheath, and drew it out easily; and when he looked on the sword it

pleased him much. Then had the king and all the barons great marvel

that Balin had done that adventure, and many knights had great despite

of Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good knight, and

the best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason,

treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and

courteous knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said Balin, for this

sword will I keep, but it be taken from me with force. Well, said the

damosel, ye are not wise to keep the sword from me, for ye shall slay

with the sword the best friend that ye have, and the man that ye most

love in the world, and the sword shall be your destruction. I shall

take the adventure, said Balin, that God will ordain me, but the sword

ye shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye shall

repent it within short time, said the damosel, for I would have the

sword more for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for

your sake; for ye will not believe that sword shall be your

destruction, and that is great pity. With that the damosel departed,

making great sorrow.

Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would depart

from the court, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay, said the king,

I suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose

ye are displeased that I have shewed you unkindness; blame me the less,

for I was misinformed against you, but I weened ye had not been such a

knight as ye are, of worship and prowess, and if ye will abide in this

court among my fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be

pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin, your bounty and highness

may no man praise half to the value; but at this time I must needs

depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said the king,

I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair knight, that ye

tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me, and to my barons,

and I shall amend all miss that I have done against you; God thank your

great lordship, said Balin, and therewith made him ready to depart.

Then the most part of the knights of the Round Table said that Balin

did not this adventure all only by might, but by witchcraft.