Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/86

 And Balen answered: 'I were loth To fight as one perforce made wroth With one that owes by knighthood's oath One love, one service, and one troth With me to him whose gracious hand Holds fast the helm of knighthood here Whereby man's hope and heart may steer: I pray you let not sorrow or fear Against his bidding stand.'

The strange knight gazed on him, and spake: 'Will you, for Arthur's royal sake, Be warrant for me that I take No scathe from strife that man may make? Then will I go with you.' And he Made joyous answer: 'Yea, for I Will be your warrant or will die.' And thence they rode with hearts as high As men's that search the sea.