O Merlin, said Arthur, here hadst thou been slain for all thy crafts had I not been.

Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could save myself an I would; and thou art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest to the deathward, an God be not thy friend.
So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich pavilion there by it.

Then King Arthur was ware where sat a knight armed in a chair.

Sir knight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here, that there may no knight ride this way but if he joust with thee?
said the king.

I rede thee leave that custom, said Arthur.