Король Артур та лицарі Круглого столу
Chapter IV
”
“Now,gentleandcourteousknight,”continuedshe,turningtoBalin,“givemetheswordagain.”
“Nay,”saidSirBalin,“saveitbetakenfrommebyforce,Ishallpreservethisswordforevermore.”
“Thouartnotwise,”repliedthedamsel,“tokeepitfromme;forifthouwiltdoso,thoushaltslaywithitthebestfriendthouhast,andtheswordshallbethinedestructionalso.”
“IwilltakewhateveradventureGodmaysend,”saidBalin;“buttheswordwillIkeep,bythefaithofmybody.”
“Thouwillrepentitshortly,”saidthedamsel;“IwouldtaketheswordforthysakeratherthanformineforIampassinggrievedandheavyforthysake,whowiltnotbelievetheperilIforetellthee.”Withthatshedeparted,makinggreatlamentation.
ThenBalinsentforhishorseandarmour,andtookhisleaveofKingArthur,whourgedhimtostayathiscourt.“For,”saidhe,“IbelievethatthouartdispleasedthatIshowedtheeunkindness;blamemenotovermuch,forIwasmisinformedagainstthee,andknewnottrulywhataknightofworshipthouart.Abideinthiscourtwithmygoodknights,andIwillsoadvancetheethatthoushaltbewellpleased.”
“Godthankthee,Lord,”saidBalin,“fornomancanrewardthybountyandthynobleness;butatthistimeImustneedsdepart,prayingtheeevertoholdmeinthyfavour.”
“Truly,”saidKingArthur,“Iamgrievedforthydeparture;buttarrynotlong,andthoushaltberightwelcometomeandallmyknightswhenthoureturnest,andIwillrepairmyneglectandallthatIhavedoneamissagainstthee.
