So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good salves; so the king was there three days, and then were his wounds well amended that he might ride and go, and so departed.

And as they rode, Arthur said, I have no sword.

No force,* [*Footnote from M.T.: No matter.] said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be yours and I may.
So they rode till they came to a lake, the which was a fair water and broad, and in the midst of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that held a fair sword in that hand.
Lo, said Merlin, yonder is that sword that I spake of.

With that they saw a damsel going upon the lake.

What damsel is that?
said Arthur.