We strike at them is a back-stroke to us.
Nay, even the stroke of your Excalibur
Hath scarcely its old swashing force. Men say
It shall not strike again,—men whisper so!—
That she, the Lady of the Hibernian Lake,
Awaiteth its return. Ah! you unsheath it!
Say, must I take it—take Excalibur,
And fling it far into the middle mere,
Mark what occurs, and lightly bring you word?"
Then spake King Arthur to Sir Bedivere:—