stone <78>hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved
the sword as it is rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.

Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him
of the dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how
Balin and Balan fought together the marvellest battle that ever
was heard of, and how they were buried both in one tomb. Alas,
said King Arthur, this is the greatest pity that ever I heard
tell of two knights, for in the world I know not such two
knights. Thus endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan, two
brethren born in Northumberland, good knights.

Sequitur iii liber.



BOOK III
CHAPTER I

How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever,
daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard,
with whom he had the Round Table.

IN the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure
and by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he
was Uther Pendragon's son, but as Merlin made it openly known.
But yet many kings and lords held great war against him for that
cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for the most part the
days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin. So
it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons will