ened that at that time there was a poor knight of Northumberland
birth in Arthur's court, Balin by name. He had been held prisoner there
more than half a year, for slaying a knight who was cousin to the king,
and had just been set free through the good services of some of the
barons, who knew that he was not at fault in this deed.

When he learned what was being done his heart bade him try his fortune,
but he was so poor and so shabbily dressed that he held back in shame.
Yet when the damsel took her leave of Arthur and his barons, and was
passing from the court, Balin called to her and said,--

"Suffer me, I pray you, to try this venture. Though I am poorly clad,
and but ill considered, I feel in my heart that in honor and grace I
stand as high as any of those knights."

The damsel looked on him with some disdain, and begged him not to put
her to useless trouble, for he seemed not the man to succeed where so
many of noble guise had failed.

"Fair damsel," he replied, "you should well know that worthiness and
good qualities do not dwell in attire, but that manhood and virtue lie
hidden within man's person, not in his dress; and therefore many a
worshipful knight is not known to all people."

"You speak wisely," said the damsel. "You shall essay the task, and may
fortune befriend you."

Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and sheath, and drew it out with
such ease that king and barons alike were filled with wonder, and many
of the knights, in spite and jealousy, cried that Balin had done this
not by might, but by witchcraft.

"He is a good knight," cried the damsel, "the best and worthiest among
you all, even if fortune has dealt with him shabbily. Now, gentle and
courteous knight, give me the sword again."

"No," said Balin, "I have fairly won this sword, and well it pleases me.
I shall keep it unless it be taken from me by force."

"You are not wise to keep it," said the damsel. "I warn you that if you
do so you will slay with the sword your best friend and the man you most
love in the world, and that it will be your destruction."

"I shall take such adventure as God may ordain me," said Balin, "but by
the faith of my body I shall keep the sword."

"You will quickly repent it," said the damsel. "It is more for your good
than for mine that I ask it back. I am sad to find that you will not
believe me, and will bring destruction on yourself. The wilful man makes
his own destiny." With this the damsel depar