Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/84

 And Arthur smiled on him, and said, 'Right welcome be thou: by my head, I would not wish me better sped. For even but now there came and fled Before me like a cloud that flies A knight that made most heavy cheer, I know not wherefore; nor may fear Or pity give my heart to hear Or lighten on mine eyes.

'But even for fear's and pity's sake Fain were I thou shouldst overtake And fetch again this knight that spake No word of answering grace to make Reply to mine that hailed him: thou, By force or by goodwill, shalt bring His face before me.' 'Yea, my king,' Quoth Balen, 'and a greater thing Were less than is my vow.