e, said Merlin: there shall never man handle this sword but
the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir Launcelot or else
Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword shall slay the man that
in the world he loved best, that shall be Sir Gawaine. All this he let
write in the pommel of the sword. Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron
and of steel into that island, and it was but half a foot broad, and
there shall never man pass that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over,
but if he were a passing good man and a good knight without treachery or
villainy. Also the scabbard of Balin's sword Merlin left it on this side
the island, that Galahad should find it. Also Merlin let make by his
subtilty that Balin's sword was put in a marble stone standing upright
as great as a mill stone, and the stone hoved always above the water and
did many years, and so by adventure it swam down the stream to the City
of Camelot, that is in English Winchester. And that same day Galahad the
haut prince came with King Arthur, and so Galahad brought with him
the scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in the marble stone
hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved the sword as it is
rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.

Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the
dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan
fought together the marvellest battle that ever was heard of, and how
they were buried both in one tomb. Alas, said King Arthur, this is the
greatest pity that ever I heard tell of two knights, for in the world I
know not such two knights. Thus endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan,
two brethren born in Northumberland, good knights.

Sequitur iii liber.

BOOK III.

CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter to
Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had the Round
Table.

IN the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and
by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he was Uther
Pendragon's son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings
and lords held great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur
overcame them all, for the most part the days of his life he was ruled
much by the counsel of Merlin. So it fell on a time King Arthur said
unto Merlin, My barons will let me have no rest, but needs I must take a
wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel and by thin