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."