_How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword, which
afterward was 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 damsel took
her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing, this knight
Balin called unto her and said, Damsel, I pray you of your courtesy
suffer me as well to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly
clothed, in mine heart me seemeth I am fully assured as some of these
other, and me seemeth in my heart to speed right well. The damsel
beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a likely man, but for of 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 damsel, said Balin, worthiness and good
qualities and good deeds are not all 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. Ye say sooth, said the damsel, 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 damsel, 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 by force. Well, said the damsel, 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 damsel, 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 damsel departed, making great sorrow.
Anon after Balin sent for his horse and his 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
that ye are displeased that I have shewed you unkindness; blame me the
less, for I was misinformed against you, but I wend you 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, for 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 amiss 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.