vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him how his
most enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King Arthur.
By two knights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship, and
to-morrow ye shall know what knights they are. Anon after came
the Knight with the Two Swords and Balan his brother, and brought
with them King Rience of North Wales, and there delivered him to
the porters, and charged them with him; and so they two returned
again in the dawning of the day. King Arthur <62>came then to
King Rience, and said, Sir king, ye are welcome: by what
adventure come ye hither? Sir, said King Rience, I came hither
by an hard adventure. Who won you? said King Arthur. Sir, said
the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which
are two marvellous knights of prowess. I know them not, said
Arthur, but much I am beholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall
tell you: it is Balin that achieved the sword, and his brother
Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better of prowess and of
worthiness, and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I
knew of knight, for he shall not long endure. Alas, said King
Arthur, that is great pity; for I am much beholden unto him, and
I have ill deserved it unto him for his kindness. Nay, said
Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that shall ye know in
haste. But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for to-morn the
host of Nero, King Rience's brother, will set on you or noon with
a great host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart
from you.



CHAPTER X