That is false, said King Arthur, how shouldest thou know it, for thou art not so old of years to know my father?
Yes, said Merlin, I know it better than ye or any man living.

I will not believe thee, said Arthur, and was wroth with the child.

So departed Merlin, and came again in the likeness of an old man of fourscore year of age, whereof the king was right glad, for he seemed to be right wise.
Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad?
I may well be heavy, said Arthur, for many things.

Also here was a child, and told me many things that meseemeth he should not know, for he was not of age to know my father.

Yes, said the old man, the child told you truth, and more would he have told you an ye would have suffered him.