"Damsel, will you let me try? I am poorly clothed, but my heart tells me that I may succeed."
The damsel saw that he had a good face. But his clothes were so poor she doubted if he were really a knight.
"I am afraid you will fail," she said.
"Ah, maiden," he returned, "poor clothes are but the outside. Good deeds are just as worthy, whether done by a rich person or a poor one. Many a man who is badly clothed has real valor and kindness."
"That is very true," she said; "so try, good sir."
Then Sir Balin seized the hilt of the sword, and the weapon came away easily. All the lords wondered, and the lady said:
"You are a good knight, the best I have met. You shall do many brave deeds. And now, give me my sword again."
"No," said Sir Balin, "I should like to keep this sword, for I have no other."
"Alas!" said the maiden, "I am sorry to hear these words, for now I must give you the sword."
"Surely he deserves it," said Arthur, "for it weighed heavily on you."