-IV, Merlin and Nimue '
MERLIN was the wise man of Arthur's court; he told the future, he gave wise counsel to the king; in every way he was the directing force of Arthur's reign. But, like the wisest of men, he lost his wisdom when he most needed it, and through the malice of a woman ho disappeared from the world of men ; nor, however bitterly Arthur needed him, was ho over seen on earth again.