"Alas! that this should be! Tell me who did this thing, and by what dismal chance, that I may tell the king."
Then Merlin related the story of his folly and fate, in the end bidding the knight to leave him, for only death could free him from that prison.
Hearing this, Bagdemagus departed, full of sorrow and wonder, and after many days returned to Arthur's court, where he told the story of the magician's fate. Great was the marvel of all and the grief of the king on learning this, and much he besought Nimue to set Merlin free. But neither threats nor entreaties could move her obdurate heart, and at length she left the court in anger and defiance, vowing that she would never set free her old tormentor.