Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/127

 'But travelling men whose goal afar Shines as a cloud-constraining star Are often weary, and wearier are Their steeds that feel each fret and jar Wherewith the wild ways wound them: yet, Albeit my horse be weary, still My heart is nowise weary; will Sustains it even till death fulfil My trust upon him set.'

'Sir,' said a knight thereby that stood, 'Meseems your shield is now not good But worn with warrior work, nor could Sustain in strife the strokes it would: A larger will I lend you.' 'Ay, Thereof I thank you,' Balen said, Being single of heart as one that read No face aright whence faith had fled, Nor dreamed that faith could fly.