It is believed that Merlin was assassinated, but popular tradition has not suffered the mysterious bard to die.
The story of the conversion of Merlin in his old age comes down to us from very early times, and has been sung by the Christian bards of Wales, Armorica, and the Gaelic clans. The following ballad, as well the foregoing fragments relating to Merlin, is still sung in Treguier, and other parts of Brittany.
CONVERSION OF MERLIN.
S. Kado walked the forest maze,
Through many a darkling dell:
S. Kado walked thro’ the forest green
Ringing his clear-toned bell;
When out from the shade of the ancient trees
A phantom bounding sprang;
But still S. Kado went his way,
And still his clear bell rang.
The phantom’s beard was like lichen gray
Spread o’er an ancient stone,
And its restless eyes, like boiling water,
Glitter and danced and shone.
‘Twas Merlin the Bard that Kado met,
That S. Kado met this day,