56
THE TALE OF BALEN
'Alas,' King Arthur said, 'he hath shown
Such love to me-ward that the moan
Made of him should be mine alone
Above all other, knowing it known
I have ill deserved it of him.' 'Nay,'
Said Merlin, 'he shall do for you
Much more, when time shall be anew,
Than time hath given him chance to do
Or hope may think to say.
'But now must be your powers purveyed
To meet, ere noon of morn be made
To-morrow, all the host arrayed
Of this wild foe's wild brother, laid
Around against you: see to it well,
For now I part from you.' And soon,
When sundawn slew the withering moon,
Two hosts were met to win the boon
Whose tale is death's to tell.
