Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/100

 'Nay,' Balen said, 'that do I not: My country's custom stands, God wot, That none whose lot is knighthood's lot, To ride where chance as fire is hot With hope or promise given of fight, Shall fail to keep, for knighthood's part, His weapon with him as his heart; And as I came will I depart, Or hold herein my right.'

Then gat he leave to wear his sword Beside the strange king's festal board Where feasted many a knight and lord In seemliness of fair accord: And Balen asked of one beside, 'Is there not in this court, if fame Keep faith, a knight that hath to name Garlon?' and saying that word of shame, He scanned that place of pride.