h in my heart to speed right well. The damosel
beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a likely man, but for his poor
arrayment she thought he should be of no worship without villainy or
treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, it needeth not to
put me to more pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed there as
other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good
tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and
worship is hid within man's person, and many a worshipful knight is not
known unto all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in
arrayment. By God, said the damosel, ye say sooth; therefore ye shall
assay to do what ye may. Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and
sheath, and drew it out easily; and when he looked on the sword it
pleased him much. Then had the king and all the barons great marvel that
Balin had done that adventure, and many knights had great despite of
Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good knight, and the
best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason, treachery,
or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and courteous
knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said Balin, for this sword will I
keep, but it be taken from me with force. Well, said the damosel, ye are
not wise to keep the sword from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the
best friend that ye have, and the man that ye most love in the world,
and the sword shall be your destruction. I shall take the adventure,
said Balin, that God will ordain me, but the sword ye shall not have
at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye shall repent it within short
time, said the damosel, for I would have the sword more for your avail
than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake; for ye will not
believe that sword shall be your destruction, and that is great pity.
With that the damosel departed, making great sorrow.

Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would depart
from the court, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay, said the king, I
suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose ye
are displeased that I have shewed you unkindness; blame me the less,
for I was misinformed against you, but I weened ye had not been such a
knight as ye are, of worship and prowess, and if ye will abide in
this court among my fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be
pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin,