the
hangings of the walls, and on the steel armor of the lords, and
gleaming on the jewels set in the gold and silver goblets which
the squires were carrying about. At one side sat a band of
musicians singing of the glories of King Arthur, and of the
folk-tales of his ancestors and people, accompanying themselves
on their harps.

After the guests had risen from the tables and gone to their
camps, Arthur sent messengers to them with rich gifts of horses
and furs and gold. But most of the lords received the messengers
scornfully.

"Take back these gifts to the beardless boy who has come of low
blood," they said; "we do not want them. We have come here to
give him gifts of hard blows with our hard swords."

The messengers were astonished to hear these things spoken of
their good king. Nevertheless, they told Arthur all that had been
said to them. He sent no answer back, but he called together all
the lords whom he was sure were loyal to him, and asked their
advice. They said to him:

"We cannot give you advice, but we can fight."

"You speak well, my lords," answered Arthur, "and I thank you for
your courage. Will you take the advice of Merlin? You know that
he has done much for me, and he is very wise."

The lords and barons answered that they would do whatever Merlin
advised. When Merlin came to the council hall he said:

"I warn you that your enemies are very strong. They have added to
their numbers so that now you have against you eleven mighty
kings."

At this the lords looked dismayed.

"Unless our lord Arthur has more men than he can find in his own
realm," said Merlin, "he will be overcome and slain. Therefore I
give you this counsel. There are two brothers across the sea;
both are monarchs and both very strong. One is King Ban of
Benwick, and the other is King Bors of Gaul. Now these two have
an enemy, also a powerful ruler. Therefore, send to the brothers,
King Bors and King Ban who are now both in Benwick, and say to
them that if they will help Arthur in his war against the eleven
kings, Arthur will help them against their common enemy."

"That is very good counsel," said the king and the lords.

So they chose Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias as messengers, and
these two hurried away, hopeful of success. When they reached the
town in Benwick where King Bors and King Ban were, knights came
forth to receive them and to hear their message. As soon as it
was learned from whom they had come they were led