ruled by a child that they had never known. All this confusion Merlin
had foreseen, and he had taken the young prince away, to keep him safe
from the jealous barons until he should be old enough to rule wisely
for himself. Even Sir Ector did not know that the boy growing up with
his own son Kay was the King's child, and heir to the realm.

When now young Arthur had grown into a tall youth, well trained in all
the exercises of honourable knighthood, Merlin went to the Archbishop
of Canterbury and counselled him to send to all the lords of the realm
and all the gentlemen of arms, that they should come to London at
Christmas time, since God of His great mercy would at that time show by
miracle who should be rightwise king of the realm. The Archbishop did
as Merlin advised, and all the great knights made them clean of their
life so that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God, and
when Christmas came they went unto London, each one thinking that
perchance his wish to be made king should be granted. So in the
greatest church of the city (whether it was St Paul's or not the old
chronicle maketh no mention) all were at their prayers long ere day.

When matins were done and they came out of the church, there was seen
in the churchyard a great square stone, in the midst of which was an
anvil of steel, a foot high, with a fair sword naked at the point
sticking through it. Written in gold about the sword were letters that
read thus: "Whoso pulleth out this sword from this stone and anvil is
rightwise king born of all England."

[Illustration: The Dedication.]

All the people marvelled at the stone and the inscription, and some
assayed--such as would be king--to draw out the sword. But none might
stir it, and the Archbishop said: "He is not here that shall achieve
this sword, but doubt not God will make him known. This now is my
counsel, that we cause to be chosen ten knights, men of good fame, to
guard this sword until the rightful possessor shall appear."

So it was ordained, and it was proclaimed that every man should assay
that would, to win the sword. And upon New Year's Day the barons held
jousts and a tournament for all knights that would engage. All this
was ordained for to keep the lords and the commons together, for the
Archbishop trusted that God would soon make him known that should win
the sword. So upon New Year's Day the barons rode to the field, some
to joust and some to tourney; and it hap