Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/80

 High hope in Balen's heart alight Laughed, as from all that clamorous fight He passed and sought not Arthur's sight, Who fain had found his kingliest knight And made amend for Balen's wrong. But Merlin gave his soul to see Fate, rising as a shoreward sea, And all the sorrow that should be Ere hope or fear thought long.

'O where are they whose hands upbore My battle,' Arthur said, 'before The wild Welsh host's wide rage and roar? Balen and Balan, Pellinore, Where are they?' Merlin answered him: 'Balen shall be not long away From sight of you, but night nor day Shall bring his brother back to say If life burn bright or dim.'