“Fair maid, I beg you to let me try to draw the sword, for though I am poorly clad I feel in my heart that I am as good as many who have tried, and I think I can succeed.”

The damsel looked at Balin, and though she saw that he was a strong and handsome man, yet she looked at his poor raiment and thought that he could not be a noble knight without treachery and villainy.  So she said to him, “Sir, put me to no more trouble, for I cannot think you will succeed where so many others have failed.”

“Ah, fair damsel,” said Balin, “perchance good deeds are not in a man’s clothing, but manliness and bravery are hid within the person, and many a worshipful knight is not known to all the people.  Therefore honor and greatness are not in raiment.”

“By the Lord,” said the damsel, “you speak well and say the truth.  Therefore shall you try the sword.”

And Balin grasped the scabbard and drew the sword out easily, and when he saw the sword he was greatly pleased, for it was a marvelous weapon of finest steel.

[Illustration:  THE DAMSEL LET FALL HER MANTLE]

“Certainly,” said the damsel, “this is a good knight, the best I have ever found, without treason, treachery or villainy; and many noble deeds shall he do.  Now, gentle and gracious knight, give back the sword to me.”

“No,” said Balin, “this sword will I keep unless it be taken from me by force.”

“Well,” said the damsel, “you are unwise to hold the sword from me, for with it you shall slay the best friend that you have, the man you best love in all the world; and the sword shall also be your destruction.”

“Nevertheless,” replied Balin, “I shall take the event as God gives it me.  But the sword you shall not have.”

“Within a very short time,” said the damsel, “you shall repent it.  I ask the sword more on your account than mine, for I am sad for your sake.  It is a great pity that you will not believe that the sword will be your destruction.”

Speaking thus the damsel departed from the court, sorrowing as she went.  As soon as the damsel had gone, Balin sent for his horse and his armor and made ready to depart from the court.

“Do not leave us so lightly,” said King Arthur, “for though I have in ignorance misused thee, I know now that thou art a noble knight, and if thou wilt stay, I will advance thee much to thy liking.”

“God bless your highness,” said Balin.  “Though no man may ever value your kindness and bounty more, yet at the present time I must thank you for your kindness and beseech your good grace.”

“If you must go,” said Arthur, “I pray you not to tarry long, for right welcome will you be on your return, and then I shall take pains to make right what I did amiss before.”

“God reward your lordship,” said Balin, as he made ready to depart.

Ere he could leave, however, there came riding into the court the Lady of the Lake, from whom King Arthur had received his sword.  She was richly clothed, and as she entered she saluted Arthur royally and said, “I come now to ask the gift you promised me when I gave you the sword.”