cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye should have forborne her in
my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, ye shall repent
it, for such another despite had I never in my court; therefore
withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.

Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to
his hostelry, and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he
had displeased King Arthur and so they rode forth out of the
town. Now, said Balin, we must depart, take thou this head and
bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, and tell my
friends in Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell
them how I am out of prison, and what adventure befell me at the
getting of this sword. Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to
blame for to displease King Arthur. As for that, said Balin, I
will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet with King
Rience and destroy him, either else to die therefore; and if it
may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and
gracious lord. Where shall I meet with you? said the squire. In
King Arthur's court, said Balin. So his squire and he departed
at that time. Then King Arthur and all the court made great dole
and had shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the
king buried her richly.



CHAPTER IV

How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.

AT that time there was a knight, the which was the king's son of