Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/116

 And the other craved his name, beguiled By hope that made his madness mild. Again Sir Balen spake and smiled: 'My name is Balen, called the Wild By knights whom kings and courts make tame, Because I ride alone afar And follow but my soul for star.' 'Ah, sir, I know the knight you are And all your fiery fame.

'The knight that bears two swords I know, Most praised of all men, friend and foe, For prowess of your hands, that show Dark war the way where balefires glow And kindle glory like the dawn's.' So spake the sorrowing knight, and stood As one whose heart fresh hope made good: And forth they rode by wold and wood And down the glimmering lawns.