Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/22

 Beneath a royal mantle, fair With goodly work of lustrous vair, Girt fast against her side she bare A sword whose weight bade all men there Quail to behold her face again. Save of a passing perfect knight Not great alone in force and fight It might not be for any might Drawn forth, and end her pain.

So said she: then King Arthur spake: 'Albeit indeed I dare not take Such praise on me, for knighthood's sake And love of ladies will I make Assay if better none may be.' By girdle and by sheath he caught The sheathed and girded sword, and wrought With strength whose force availed him nought To save and set her free.