Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/26

 A glance that shot on Lamoracke As from a storm-cloud bright and black Fire swift and blind as death's own track Turned fleet as flame on Arthur back From him whose hand forsook the hilt: And one in blood and one in sin Their hearts caught fire of pain within And knew no goal for them to win But death that guerdons guilt.

Then Gawain, sweet of soul and gay As April ere he dreams of May, Strove, and prevailed not; then Sir Kay, The snake-souled envier, vile as they That fawn and foam and lurk and lie, Sire of the bastard band whose brood Was alway found at servile feud With honour, faint and false and lewd, Scarce grasped and put it by.