appearance of "a fair young squire," that he might talk with her beside a
fountain, described in the legends as "a well, whereof the springs were
fair and the water clear and the gravel so fair that it seemed of fine
silver." By degrees he made acquaintance with the child, who told him who
she was, adding, "And what are you, fair, sweet friend?" "Damsel," said
Merlin, "I am a travelling squire, seeking for my master, who has taught
me wonderful things." "And what master is that?" she asked. "It is one,"
he said, "who has taught me so much that I could here erect for you a
castle, and I could make many people outside to attack it and inside to
defend it; nay, I could go upon this water and not wet my feet, and I
could make a river where water had never been."

"These are strange feats," said the maiden, "and I wish that I could thus
disport myself." "I can do yet greater things," said Merlin, "and no one
can devise anything which I cannot do, and I can also make it to endure
forever." "Indeed," said the girl, "I would always love you if you could
show me some such wonders." "For your love," he answered, "I will show you
some of these wondrous plays, and I will ask no more of you." Then Merlin
turned and described a circle with a wand and then came and sat by her
again at the fountain. At noon she saw coming out of the forest many
ladies and knights and squires, holding each other by the hand and singing
in the greatest joy; then came men with timbrels and tabours and dancing,
so that one could not tell one-fourth part of the sports that went on.
Then Merlin caused an orchard to grow, with all manner of fruit and
flowers; and the maiden cared for nothing but to listen to their singing,
"Truly love begins in joy, but ends in grief." The festival continued from
mid-day to even-song; and King Dionas and his courtiers came out to see
it, and marvelled whence these strange people came. Then when the carols
were ended, the ladies and maidens sat down on the green grass and fresh
flowers, and the squires set up a game of tilting called quintain upon the