blue, and they wore many pearls and rubies and diamonds, so
that all the place where they were assembled was glowing with
light and color.

But Arthur, who wore a plain white robe, did not think of the
beauty and richness. He was very grave, knowing that he was about
to take a solemn oath. He bowed his head, while the archbishop
set upon it the golden crown, which gleamed with jewels. Then he
stood up before his people, and vowed that he would be a good
king and always do justice. All the people uncovered their heads
and vowed to serve and obey him; and when he smiled kindly on
them as he rode slowly through the throng, they threw up their
caps and shouted joyfully: "Long live King Arthur! Long live the
King!"

King Arthur chose worthy men for his officers, making Sir Kay
steward as he had promised; Sir Ulfius he made chamberlain, and
Sir Brastias warden. Arthur gave offices also to Sir Hector and
Sir Bedivere and Sir Geraint.

After his crowning the king set about righting all the wrongs
that had been done since the death of King Uther. He gave back
the lands and money that had been taken from widows and orphans,
and would permit no unkindness to any of his subjects. Thus, at
the very beginning of his reign, his people began to call him

="Good King Arthur"=

[Illustration] THE GOOD SWORD EXCALIBUR

Soon after the crowning of King Arthur, he was journeying through
the land with Merlin, the wise old magician, when they met a
knight who challenged Arthur to a combat. The two fought, and at
last the knight wounded Arthur severely. In the end the king was
victorious, but he had lost so much blood that he could go no
farther. Merlin took him to a good hermit who healed his wound in
three days. Then the king departed with Merlin, and as they were
slowly riding along he said:

"I am still weak from the blood I have lost, and my sword is
broken."

"Do not fear," said Merlin. "You shall lose no more blood and
you shall have a good sword. Ride on trustfully with me."

They rode in silence until they came to a lake, large and quiet,
and as beautiful in color as a pearl. While Arthur was looking at
its beauty, he became suddenly aware of three tall women, with
fair, sweet faces, standing on the bank.

"Who are they?" the king asked.

"Three queens who shall help you at your worst need," answered
Merlin. "Now look out upon the lake again."

Arthur turned his eyes upon the lake and saw that in the distance