Arthur, and told him what he foresaw, and which it was not in his power
to prevent; and warned him of many coming events, that he might be
prepared for them when Merlin was with him no more.

[Illustration: MERLIN AND NIMUE.]

"I have charged you," he said, "to keep in your own hands the sword
Excalibur and its scabbard, yet well I know that both sword and scabbard
will be stolen from you by a woman whom you foolishly trust, and that
your lack of wisdom will bring you near to your death. This also I may
say, you will miss me deeply. When I am gone you would give all your
lands to have me again. For Merlin will find no equal in the land."

"That I well know already," said the king. "But, since you foresee so
fully what is coming upon you, why not provide for it, and by your craft
overcome it?"

"No," said Merlin, "that may not be. Strong I am, but destiny is
stronger. There is no magic that can set aside the decrees of fate."

Soon afterwards the damsel departed from the court, but her doting old
lover followed her wherever she went. And as he sought to practise upon
her some of his subtle arts, she made him swear, if he would have her
respond to his love, never to perform enchantment upon her again.

This Merlin swore. Then he and Nimue crossed the sea to the land of
Benwick, the realm of King Ban, who had helped King Arthur so nobly in
his wars, and here he saw young Lancelot, the son of King Ban and his
wife Elaine, who was in the time to come to win world-wide fame.

The queen lamented bitterly to Merlin the mortal war which King Claudas
made upon her lord and his lands, and the ruin that she feared.

"Be not disturbed thereby," said Merlin. "Your son Lancelot shall
revenge you upon King Claudas, so that all Christendom shall ring with
the story of his exploits. And this same youth shall become the most
famous knight in the world."

"O Merlin!" said the queen, "shall I live to see my son a man of such
prowess?"

"Yes, my lady and queen, this you shall see, and live many years to
enjoy his fame."

Soon afterwards Merlin and his lady-love returned to England and came to
Cornwall, the magician showing her many wonders of his art as they
journeyed. But he pressed her so for her love that she grew sorely weary
of his importunate suit, and would have given aught less than her life
to be rid of him, for she feared him as one possessed of the arts of the
foul fiend. But say or do what she would, her doting lover