Then, at the astonished King’s command, the great bell of the castle was tolled, and presently the black-robed astrologers, wizards and magicians filed once again into the royal presence.
“You may question my Wise Men now,” said the King to Merlin, “and save yourself if you can.”
“Tell us, then, O Prophets of King Vortigern,” cried the boy, “what lies under the plain where the King has tried to build his tower.”
Then the Wise Ones drew apart that they might take counsel together, and presently the Sage stepped before the King and said:
“Your Majesty, we are now ready to give our answer. We who have the power to look deep into the bowels of the earth know well that beneath the plain where you have sought to build your tower, should you dig never so deep, you would find nothing but the good, brown soil of your Majesty’s kingdom.”
At this Merlin smiled and shook his dark curls.
“You tell us, then,” said the King.
“Let your workmen dig,” replied the boy, “and beneath the plain they will find a deep pool.”
And when the workmen had dug, they found, just as Merlin had prophesied—a deep, dark pool beneath the plain.
Then cried the King: