In the Court of King Arthur

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Merlin's Message

  Now as the sun, a flaming golden ball about which played the wondroussofter colors of filmy clouds, began sinking in the western horizon,the heralds announced everywhere that the time for assemblage hadcome. Of those few who were not present, chiefest were Sir Launcelotand Sir Gawaine. And for these two the herald of King Arthur wassearching the road in vain.

  "Think you, Sir Percival, these two will come?" the herald, anxious oftone, inquired. "Our King would have them present and I fancy not themaking of excuse for their not appearing."

  "It is hard telling, Sir Herald. Far had the page to go and he isyoung. Then too, it is a question whether should he meet with them,these two have a mind to appear. For I know that their journey toCornwall is urgent."

  Now the knights entered and found place. Then followed the pages,squires and after them such yeoman and varlets as could find room.After each had found his place, came King Arthur leading his queen.And as they entered, up rose the knights, their vassals, all that werewithin the hall and raised a mighty shout.

  "St. George and Merrie England. Long live King Arthur. Long live QueenGuenever."

  Then turned the King toward his loyal subjects and though his lipswere seen to move, none heard him for the clamor. So King Arthurturned to seat his queen and then he himself sat down upon his throne,high on the dais.

  Then soon after even as bell tolled the hour, Arthur arose. No signhad yet come of Launcelot and Gawaine. So now the herald slipped tothe door to cast again a hurried glance for perchance that they mightbe within vision. And as he went noiselessly, so, too, a quiet fellthat the King's words might be heard. But now disturbing this quietcame a great clattering. Arthur turned his eyes, frowning, at thesudden noise. Yet came a greater turmoil, approaching horse's hoofswere heard and then into the great hall thundered the steeds carryingthe noble figures of Launcelot and Gawaine, followed but a pace behindby Allan the page.

  Straight to the dais they came, the two knights. Allan, however,turned, made hasty exit because he felt himself abashed to be observedby so many eyes. On foot he entered once again and found place far inthe rear where few could observe him.

  The two knights now dismounted and knelt before their King.

  "We pray your pardon for the lateness of our coming. Yet did wehasten and could not have come the sooner."

  "That we feel is so, Sir Knights, for we know you well enough. Nor arewe wroth, since come you did. But where, pray, is the message bearer?Truly his speed was great to have reached you in time for your return.And if I mistake not," added the King with great shrewdness, "neitheryou, Gawaine, nor you Launcelot, were any too ready to return. Howthen, did the lad urge you?"

  "You speak truly, sire," replied Gawaine. "For our errand had need ofurgent haste and we were both to give it up. Yet did the boy urge usand chiefest urge of all to us was where he claimed his own honordemanded the success of his mission. Those were fine words, so did wetherefore return."

  "Fine words, indeed. Where then is this page? Will you, Sir Herald,bring him forth?"

  So Allan came forward, red of face and hating such womanness thatwould let him blush before all these great men. Knelt he before hisKing.

  "Thou art a good lad and will bear watching. Go thy way and rememberthat the road ahead for those who wish to be knights of high nobilityis steep and arduous but well worth the trials. Remember too, thatthis day, Britain's King, said that some day thou wilt prove a worthyand brave knight."

  And as Allan with flaming cheeks and glorious pride went to his placefar in the rear of the hall the King turned to the assemblage.

  "Merlin is here but departs from us tomorrow for many a day. He hashad a great dream which affects this court and us and which must betold to all of you. So he has asked us to call you and this we havedone. Stand up now Merlin, wisest of men and truest of counselors.Speak."

  Up rose Merlin and for wonder as to what his dream might be all heldtheir breath.

  "But the other night came Joseph of Armathea to me while I slept. Andhe chided me that in all Britain so few of all the true and braveknights had thought to seek the wondrous Holy Grail which once waspride of all England.

  "And me thought I heard him say, 'Truly do I misdoubt the valor ofthese knights who seek adventure and glory.'

  "'Yet.' said I, 'doubt not their valor for can I give surety for it.For Holy Grail, every varlet, let alone those of true blood, wouldgive his life and count it more than worthy.'

  "'So shall it be!' replied Sir Joseph. 'For the Holy Grail will befound. Whether knight or varlet shall the finder be, I will not say.But this I tell you now. He who finds it shall be pure of heart andnoble beyond all men. From whence he cometh, who he is, I will notsay. Remember this, Merlin, brave and noble knights there are now inEngland, brave knights shall come, and some shall come as strangely asshall the Grail. Many deeds will be done that will bring truest ofglory to England's name. And never again shall more noble or moreworthy knights hold Britain's banner so high. For they who seek theHoly Grail must be worthy even of the search.'

  "'Let your King beware that he listens well to all who come to hiscourt on every Pentecost. And though they who search may not beoverstrong, yet while they seek it they will find in themselves manymen's strength.'

  "And then he left me. But even after he was gone I dreamt on. And Isay to you, oh men of England, go you forth and seek this Holy Grail,if within you, you know that you are pure of heart and noble. If youare not, go then and seek to be purified for that is possible. Onlyone of you will find the Holy Grail, yet is there great glory in thesearch. May he who finds it and all the rest who search for it bringgreater fame and worthiness to this our land and to him who is ourKing."

  Now Merlin turned to seat himself. But yet before he found his placeevery man within the hall stood up prepared to make oath then andthere to begin the search. Only two kept still, nor did they move. Onewas Sir Launcelot, the other the youth Allan.

  But quick as they who upstood, Merlin spoke again. And though hisvoice was low, yet was it heard throughout the hall.

  "Pledge not yourself today, nor yet tomorrow. Go you hence, first. Inyour innermost heart find answer to this question. Am I pure, am Iworthy for the search? For that you must be before any pledgesuffices."

  Silent and thoughtful the men found each his seat. And when all hadbeen seated, Arthur, King, arose.

  "Wouldst that I felt myself worthy. Yet from this day shall I striveto the uttermost for the time when I shall feel that I am."

  And throughout the hall came answering vows: "So shall we all." Withinhis heart, Allan, the youth, felt a strange radiancy, as he too madethis vow, "So shall I."