But ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with you, for ye have lain by your sister, and on her ye have gotten a child that shall destroy you and all the knights of your realm.

What are ye, said Arthur, that tell me these tidings?
I am Merlin, and I was he in the child's likeness.

Ah, said King Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words that I must die in battle.

Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is God's will your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but I may well be sorry, said Merlin, for I shall die a shameful death, to be put in the earth quick, and ye shall die a worshipful death.

And as they talked this, came one with the king's horse, and so the king mounted on his horse, and Merlin on another, and so rode unto Carlion.