Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/29

 But on the sword he gazed elate With hope set higher than fear or fate, Or doubt of darkling days in wait; And when her thankful praise waxed great And craved of him the sword again, He would not give it. 'Nay, for mine It is till force may make it thine.' A smile that shone as death may shine Spake toward him bale and bane.

Strange lightning flickered from her eyes. 'Gentle and good in knighthest guise And meet for quest of strange emprise Thou hast here approved thee: yet not wise To keep the sword from me, I wis. For with it thou shalt surely slay Of all that look upon the day The man best loved of thee, and lay Thine own life down for his.'