Arthur, helped by Merlin, ruled over Britian well and wisely for some years. When he was twenty years old, Merlin told him it was time to choose himself a wife. ‘Have you anyone in mind?’ asked the old magician.
Arthur smiled. ‘Indeed I have, Merlin,’ he replied. ‘For two years I have loved the lovely Guinevere, daughter of King Leodogran.’
‘Then go to the court of Leodogran, and see if you can win his daughter,’ Merlin said.
Arthur set off on horseback, dressed in full armour. When he came to the land of Leodogran, he heard that the king was in great trouble. A strong enemy army had attacked his country.
Arthur rode at once to the place of battle to see if he could help. Guinevere was watching the fight from the roof of the palace. She saw her father’s knights fighting desperately. The enemy was winning, and many brave men were lying, dead or dying, on the battle field. Suddenly Guinevere saw a strange knight ride into the middle of the battle. He was on a great white horse, and he