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King Arthur: then, because his wound Watch what I see, and lightly bring thee

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Rose up from out the bosom of the lake, 30 Clothed in white samite, mystic, wonderful,

Holding the sword-and how I rowed

across

And took it, and have worn it, like a king;
And, wheresoever I am sung or told
In aftertime, this also shall be known. 35
But now delay not; take Excalibur,
And fling him far into the middle mere;1
Watch what thou seest, and lightly2 bring
me word."

To him replied the bold Sir Bedivere:
"It is not meet, Sir King, to leave thee
thus,

40

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Then spake King Arthur to Sir Bedivere: "Hast thou performed my mission which I gave?

What is it thou hast seen, or what hast heard?"

And answer made the bold Sir Bedivere: "I heard the ripple washing in the reeds, 70 And the wild water lapping on the crag."

To whom replied King Arthur, faint and pale:

"Thou hast betrayed thy nature and thy name,

Not rendering true answer, as beseemed Aidless, alone, and smitten through the Thy fealty, nor like a noble knight; helm.

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For surer sign had followed, either hand,
Or voice, or else a motion of the mere.
This is a shameful thing for men to lie.
Yet now, I charge thee, quickly go again

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His palms together, and he cried aloud:

"And if indeed I cast the brand away, Surely a precious thing, one worthy note, Should thus be lost forever from the earth,

90

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For thou, the latest-left of all my knights, In whom should meet the offices of all, 125 Which might have pleased the eyes of Thou wouldst betray me for the precious many men.

What good should follow this, if this were

done?

hilt;

Either from lust of gold, or like a girl
Valuing the giddy pleasure of the eyes.

What harm, undone? deep harm to dis- Yet, for a man may fail in duty twice,

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And hid Excalibur the second time,
And so strode back slow to the wounded
King.

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"Now see I by thine eyes that this is done. Then spoke King Arthur, breathing Speak out; what is it thou hast heard, or heavily:

1 loved.

seen?" And answer made the bold Sir Bedivere:

150

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