Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/61

 'Ill seen is this of thee,' said they, 'That thou art true in word and way Nor fain to fear the face of day, Who wilt not as a true man say The name it shames not him to bear.' He answered: 'Be it or be it not so, Yet why ye ride this way I know, To meet King Ryons as a foe, And how your hope shall fare.

'Well, if ye hearken toward my rede, Ill, if ye hear not, shall ye speed.' 'Ah, now,' they cried, 'thou art ours at need: What Merlin saith we are fain to heed.' 'Great worship shall ye win,' said he, 'And look that ye do knightly now, For great shall be your need, I trow.' And Balen smiled: 'By knighthood's vow, The best we may will we.'