Long and fierce was the battle, for both were full of anger and resentment.  They charged and fell back; they hacked and hewed until shields and armor were bent and broken in many places.  Both were sorely wounded, and the blood ran until the trampled ground was stained with it.  Then, out of breath and weary from the terrible exertion, they both rested for a few moments, but they soon began the duel again, rushing together like two fierce wild animals and striking such blows that both were many times brought to their knees.  Every time, however, they recovered themselves and renewed the terrific struggle.  At last the swords met full in the air, and Arthur’s was broken at the hilt.

[Illustration:  MERLIN SAVES ARTHUR]

“Now yield,” said the strange knight, “for you are wholly in my power and I can slay or release you as I will.  Yield now to me as a recreant knight or I will slay you as you stand.”

“As for death,” said Arthur, “let it come when it will.  I would rather die than shame my manhood by yielding.”

And then like lightning Arthur leaped upon the knight, clasped him round the middle and threw him to the ground.  But the knight was a powerful man, and throwing Arthur off he hurled him to the ground, struck off his helm and raised his sword to behead the king.

All the time Merlin had stood and watched the fray, but when he saw the deadly peril in which Arthur lay, he called out, “Knight, hold your hand!  If you slay this knight you put this kingdom in the greatest peril, for this is a more worshipful knight than you dream of.”

“Why, who is he?” asked the knight.

“It is King Arthur,” Merlin replied.

Then was the knight fearful of the vengeance of the King, if he should survive the encounter.  He raised his sword again and would have killed Arthur as he lay, but Merlin cast an enchantment over him and he fell into a deep sleep.

The magician caught up the king and rode forth on the knight’s horse.

“Alas!” said Arthur, “what have you done, Merlin?  Have you slain this good knight by your crafts?  There is no braver knight in the world than he was.  I would give half my kingdom if he were alive again.”

“Do not trouble yourself,” replied Merlin.  “He is in less danger than you are, for he lies asleep and will awake whole and refreshed in three hours.  I told you how powerful a knight he was, and you would have certainly been slain here if I had not been by to help.  This same knight shall live to do you great service.”

“Who is the knight?” asked Arthur.

“It is King Pellinore; and he shall have two sons, both of whom shall be good men; and one shall have no equal in strength, courage and goodness.”

IV.  ARTHUR GETS EXCALIBUR

After his battle with King Pellinore, Arthur was three days with a hermit, who by magic salves healed him of his wounds and set him again upon his way.