“My Wise Men have been put to shame by this mere lad. His life shall be spared; but they, for their deceit, shall be driven in disgrace from my kingdom.”
But Merlin interposed, saying:
“Not yet, Sir King, I pray you. Let us have another test that you may feel perfectly sure. Ask your Wise Men what lies under the pool that lay under the plain where you sought to build your tower.”
Again the Wise Ones talked together; and again because they knew not what else to say, they gave the same answer:
“Sir King, you will find good, brown earth beneath the pool that lay beneath the plain where Your Majesty sought to build his tower.”
“No, Sir King,” said Merlin. “Beneath the pool you will find two great stones. Let your workmen drain the pool and see.”
And when the pool was drained, there lay two immense boulders, just as Merlin had said.
“Truly this is a marvelous child,” exclaimed Vortigern. “Away with my false prophets! From this time forth I will have no Wise Man but Merlin!”
“Stay, Your Majesty,” said Merlin. “Let there be one more test, then no question can ever arise in your mind. Ask your Wise Men what lies beneath the stones that lay beneath the pool that lay beneath the plain where you sought to build your tower.”
But this time the Wise Ones were wise enough to hold their peace.