And Arthur smiled on him, and said,
'Right welcome be thou: by my head,
I would not wish me better sped.
For even but now there came and fled
⁠Before me like a cloud that flies
A knight that made most heavy cheer,
I know not wherefore; nor may fear
Or pity give my heart to hear
⁠Or lighten on mine eyes.

'But even for fear's and pity's sake
Fain were I thou shouldst overtake
And fetch again this knight that spake
No word of answering grace to make
⁠Reply to mine that hailed him: thou,
By force or by goodwill, shalt bring
His face before me.' 'Yea, my king,'
Quoth Balen, 'and a greater thing
⁠Were less than is my vow.