A knight named Balin had been held prisoner for half a year by Arthur for killing Arthur’s cousin, but Balin was a good knight from Northumberland, and he was innocent, and thus he was released by the barons. He snuck into the court, where the damsel’s sword was held, to pull it from its sheath. Though Balin was poor, he was sure he could do no worse than any of the other knights. He approached the sword and called upon the damsel, saying, “Damsel, I pray that you allow me to pull this sword from its sheath, for though I am poor, I believe I am as good as the other knights, and I believe I can succeed.”

The damsel looked Balin over and decided that, though he was a respectable knight, he could not have been virtuous due to his poor appearance. She responded, “Sir, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you will not succeed.”

To this, Balin replied, “But damsel, virtue and goodness are not in a man’s appearance, but within a man himself.”

The damsel was awestruck. “My god, you are right. You will succeed.”

Balin took the sword and easily drew it from its sheath. King Arthur and his barons marveled at Balin, while the knights looked on in envy. The damsel announced, “This is a good knight. He is truly virtuous, and he will do well. Now, good knight, give me back my sword.”

 “No,” Balin replied. “I’ll keep the sword, unless you can take it from me by force.”

“Well,” the damsel said, “that isn’t a very wise decision. You will kill your best friend, the man you love most, with that sword. The sword will be the death of you.”

Balin said, “I’ll risk that with faith in God, but I won’t let you have this sword.”

“You will regret it,” the damsel said. “I would have taken it for your sake, not mine.” With that, the damsel left.

Balin sent for his horse so that he could leave. The king said to him, “I suppose you don’t want to leave so soon. I apologize for doubting you. I was misinformed, and I didn’t know what a good knight you are. If you want to be a knight in my high court, I will allow it.”

“Thank you,” Balin replied, “but I really must leave. Thank you once again for your goodness.”

“Please,” the king said, “do not be gone long. You are always welcome here.” Balin thanked the king once again, and left. The knights, out of envy, accused Balin of witchcraft.

Summary by Jake Oakley