THE DEEDS OF BALIN.

CHAPTER I.

HOW BALIN WON AND USED THE ENCHANTED SWORD.

It befell upon a time when King Arthur was at London, that tidings came
to him that King Ryons of North Wales was carrying out his threat. He
had crossed the borders with an army, and was burning and harrying his
lands and slaying his people without mercy. On learning this the king
sent word to his lords and knights to assemble with all haste at
Camelot, where a council would be held and measures of defence and
reprisal taken.

And it so fell out that while this assembly was in session at Camelot, a
damsel came into the court who had been sent by the great lady Lile of
Avelion. When she came before King Arthur she let fall her mantle, which
was richly furred, and revealed a noble sword, with which she was girt.

"Damsel," said the king in wonder, "why wear you that sword? It beseems
you not."

"Indeed, sir, it is a sore burden to me," replied the damsel, "but I
must wear it till a knight of the highest honor and virtue can be found
to deliver me of my charge. None other than such a one may draw this
sword from its sheath, for so it is ordained. I have been to King
Ryons's camp, where I was told there were knights of high excellence,
and he and all his knights tried it, but in vain. I have therefore come
to your court with my burden, and hope that the knight fit to draw it
may here be found."

"This is surely a great marvel," said Arthur. "I shall try to draw the
sword myself; not that I claim to be the best knight, but as an example
to my barons."

Then Arthur took the sword by the sheath and the girdle, and pulled at
it eagerly, but it failed to yield.

"You need not pull so hard," said the damsel. "He who shall draw it will
need little strength, but much virtue."

"Now try ye, all my barons," said Arthur. "But beware ye be not defiled
with shame, treachery, or guile."

"That is well advised," said, the damsel, "for none shall draw it but a
clean knight without villany, and of gentle birth both by father and
mother."

Then most of the Knights of the Round Table who were there tried their
fortunes, but none succeeded in the magic task.

"Alas!" said the damsel, "I hoped to find in this court the best knights
upon earth."

"By my faith," said Arthur, "the world holds no better knights; but it
grieves me to find that none here seem to have the grace or power to
draw this sword."

It happ