Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword that I spake of.

With that they saw a damosel going upon the lake.

What damosel is that?
said Arthur.

That is the Lady of the Lake, said Merlin; and within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and richly beseen; and this damosel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you that sword.

Anon withal came the damosel unto Arthur, and saluted him, and he her again.
Damosel, said Arthur, what sword is that, that yonder the arm holdeth above the water?
I would it were mine, for I have no sword.