came to a castle where the custom was for every guest to
joust. He was accommodated with a shield, and rode forth to meet his
antagonist. So fierce was the encounter that both the combatants were
slain, but Balin lived just long enough to learn that his antagonist
was his dearly beloved brother Balan, and both were buried in one
tomb.--Sir T. Malory, _History of Prince Arthur_, i. 27-44 (1470).

"The Book of Sir Balin le Savage" is part i. ch. 27 to 44 (both
inclusive) of sir T. Malory's _History of Prince Arthur_.

BALINVERNO, one of the leaders in Agramant's allied army.--Ariosto,
_Orlando Furioso_ (1516).

BALIOL (_Edward_), usurper of Scotland, introduced in _Redgauntlet_,
a novel by sir W. Scott (time, George II.).

_Baliol (Mrs.)_, friend of Mr. Croftangry, in the introductory
chapter of _The Fair Maid of Perth_, a novel by sir W. Scott (time,
Henry IV.).

_Baliol (Mrs. Martha Bethune)_, a lady of quality and fortune, who
had a house called Baliol Lodging, Canongate, Edinburgh. At her death
she left to her cousin Mr. Croftangry two series of tales called _The
Chronicles of Canongate (q.v.)_, which he published.--Sir W. Scott,
_The Highland Widow_ (introduction, 1827).

BALISARDA, a sword made in the garden of Orgagna by the sorceress
Falerina; it would cut through even enchanted substances, and was
given to Rogero for the express purpose of "dealing Orlando's
death."--Ariosto, _Orlando Furioso_, xxv. 15 (1516).

He knew with Balisarda's lightest blows,
Nor helm, nor shield, nor cuirass could avail,
Nor strongly tempered plate, nor twisted mail.

Book xxiii.

BALIVERSO, the basest knight in the Saracen army.--Ariosto, _Orlando
Furioso_, (1516).

BALK or BALKH ("_to embrace_"), Omurs, surnamed _Ghil-Shah_ ("earth's
king"), founder of the Paishdadian dynasty. He travelled abroad to
make himself familiar with the laws and customs of other lands. On his
return he met his brother, and built on the spot of meeting a city,
which he called Balk; and made it the capital of his kingdom.

BALKIS, the Arabian name of the queen of Sheba, who went from the
south to witness the wisdom and splendor of Solomon. According to the
Koran she was a fire-worshipper. It is said that Solomon raised her to
his bed and throne. She is also called queen of Saba or Aaziz.--_Al
Koran_, xxvi. (Sale's notes).

She fancied herself already more potent than
Balkis, and pictured to her imagination the genii
falling pros