Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/102

 And Garlon, seeing how Balen's eye Dwelt on him as his heart waxed high With joy in wrath to see him nigh, Rose wolf-like with a wolfish cry And crossed and smote him on the face, Saying, 'Knight, what wouldst thou with me? Eat, For shame, and gaze not: eat thy meat: Do that thou art come for: stands thy seat Next ours of royal race?'

'Well hast thou said: thy rede rings true; That which I came for will I do,' Quoth Balen: forth his fleet sword flew, And clove the head of Garlon through Clean to the shoulders. Then he cried Loud to his lady, 'Give me here The truncheon of the shameful spear Wherewith he slew your knight, when fear Bade hate in darkness ride.'