Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/90

 'Me lists not tell you,' Balen said. The strange knight's face grew keen and red; 'Now, might my hand but keep my head, Even here should one of twain lie dead Were he no better armed than I.' And Balen spake with smiling speed, Where scorn and courtesy kept heed Of either: 'That should little need: Not here shall either die.'

And all the cause he told him through As one that feared not though he knew All: and the strange knight spake anew, Saying: 'I will part no more from you While life shall last me.' So they went Where he might arm himself to ride, And rode across wild ways and wide To where against a churchyard side A hermit's harbour leant.