XXXVI.

Strove Arthur long to learn which youth he owed

For safety and deliverance gratitude;

But Nial said ’twas Morton forward strode

The first, and Morton urged that Nial viewed

The peril soonest—Friendship’s generous feud!

Where each desired that each the prize should hoard;

And eyes that witnessed it were tear-bedewed.

Great Arthur gave each noble youth a sword,

That bore his mighty name—magnificent reward!