been the destroyer of many good knights, and she was
causer that my mother was burnt, through her falsehood and treachery.
What cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye should have forborne her in
my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, ye shall repent it, for
such another despite had I never in my court; therefore withdraw you out
of my court in all haste ye may.

Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to his
hostelry, and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he had
displeased King Arthur and so they rode forth out of the town. Now, said
Balin, we must depart, take thou this head and bear it to my friends,
and tell them how I have sped, and tell my friends in Northumberland
that my most foe is dead. Also tell them how I am out of prison, and
what adventure befell me at the getting of this sword. Alas! said the
squire, ye are greatly to blame for to displease King Arthur. As for
that, said Balin, I will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet
with King Rience and destroy him, either else to die therefore; and if
it may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and gracious
lord. Where shall I meet with you? said the squire. In King Arthur's
court, said Balin. So his squire and he departed at that time. Then King
Arthur and all the court made great dole and had shame of the death of
the Lady of the Lake. Then the king buried her richly.

CHAPTER IV. How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.

AT that time there was a knight, the which was the king's son of
Ireland, and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous knight, and
counted himself one of the best of the court; and he had great despite
at Balin for the achieving of the sword, that any should be accounted
more hardy, or more of prowess; and he asked King Arthur if he would
give him leave to ride after Balin and to revenge the despite that he
had done. Do your best, said Arthur, I am right wroth with Balin; I
would he were quit of the despite that he hath done to me and to my
court. Then this Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him ready. In the
meanwhile came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there was told
him the adventure of the sword, and the death of the Lady of the Lake.
Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that here standeth,
that brought the sword unto your court, I shall tell you the cause of
her coming: she was the falsest damosel that liveth. Say not so, said
they. S