The Coming of Arthur

Long years ago, there ruled over Britain a king called Uther Pendragon. He was a mighty prince, feared by all men. Yet, when he sought the love of the fair Igraine of Cornwall, she would have nothing to do with him. So, from grief and disappointment, Uther fell sick, and at last, seemed like he would die.

Now in those days, there lived a famous magician named Merlin. Merlin was so powerful he could change his form at will, or even make himself invisible. There was no place so remote that he could not reach it at once, merely by wishing himself there. One day, suddenly he stood at Uther’s bedside and said: