V
SIR BALIN FIGHTS WITH HIS BROTHER, SIR BALAN
Now there was a knight at the court more envious than the others of Sir Balin, for he counted himself one of the best knights in Britain. His name was Lancear; and going to the king, he begged leave to follow after Sir Balin and avenge the insult he had put upon the court. "Do thy best," replied the king, "for I am passing wroth with Balin."
In the meantime came Merlin, and was told of this adventure of the sword and lady of the lake.
"Now hear me," said he, "when I tell ye that this lady who hath brought the sword is the falsest damsel living."
"Say not so," they answered, "for she hath a brother a good knight, who slew another knight this damsel loved; so she, to be revenged upon her brother, went to the Lady Lile, of Avilion, and besou
