88
THE TALE OF BALEN
'Nay,' Balen said, 'that do I not:
My country's custom stands, God wot,
That none whose lot is knighthood's lot,
To ride where chance as fire is hot
With hope or promise given of fight,
Shall fail to keep, for knighthood's part,
His weapon with him as his heart;
And as I came will I depart,
Or hold herein my right.'
Then gat he leave to wear his sword
Beside the strange king's festal board
Where feasted many a knight and lord
In seemliness of fair accord:
And Balen asked of one beside,
'Is there not in this court, if fame
Keep faith, a knight that hath to name
Garlon?' and saying that word of shame,
He scanned that place of pride.
