"What damsel is that?" he inquired of Merlin. "That is the Lady of the Lake," answered the magician. "Speak kindly to her and ask her to give you the sword."
As the beautiful maid came nearer she saluted Arthur and he returned the courtesy.
"Damsel," said Arthur, "what rich sword is that which yonder hand holds above the water? I would it were mine, for I have no sword."
[Illustration: ARTHUR RECEIVES EXCALIBUR]
"That is my sword, Excalibur," answered the maid, "and I will give it to you if you will give me a gift when I ask it."
"Right willingly will I give you what you ask, so that I may have the sword."
"Well, take the boat and row yourself out to the sword. When the time comes I will ask the gift."
So Arthur got down from his horse, tied it to a tree and entered the boat. When he had come to the arm Arthur reached up and grasped the sword and scabbard. Immediately both were released, and the white-clothed arm sank back into the waters.
When he returned to the land the maiden had disappeared, and the two rode on their way. Arthur kept looking at his sword, for he admired it very much.
"Which do you prefer," asked Merlin, "the sword or the scabbard?"